Festive Retail Therapy

Need some hints and tips as to where to start ticking names off your Christmas Shopping List? Then look no further, we have pulled together a little summary of where you can find what this Festive Season. Afterall shopping in person is so much more fun than shopping online, so make sure to stop for a delicious hot chocolate, a bite to eat, and round off your trip by popping on some skates at Gloucester Quays Ice Skating Rink.

Credit: Dale Hodgetts
Gloucester Quays has a wide range of stores to choose from, it’s easy to see why it’s a great choice as a shopping destination. Housing a vibrant range of fashion, homewares, novelties, and consumables, you will be able to find the perfect gift for all. With well-known brands offering up to 70% off normal RRPs, including The North Face, Joules, Marks & Spencers, Le Cresuet and Hotel Chocolat to name just a few, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The Christmas Markets at Gloucester Quays see the best local traders come together for miles around, selling homemade artisan crafts and foods, lots to sample too! The markets are free to enter and are open every weekend until the 21 December, from 10am-6pm Saturdays and 10am-5pm on Sundays. The perfect day out to soak up the atmosphere and purchase some of the region’s most unique gifts.

Credit:Dale Hodgetts
If you want to support Gloucester's Independent shops this Christmas, then the City Centre is a great place to look. The Gate Streets and alley ways leading off, host many gems perfect to browse for inspiration for that really special gift. You can find unique handcrafted gifts, including candles, art and sculptures in Gloucestershire Arts and Crafts Centre, and opposite is Gloucester Antiques Centre, an Aladdin’s Cave of wonderful finds and long lost treasures.

There are infact too many wonderful independent retailers for us to be able to list here, but we highly recommend exploring them all.

Kings Walk Shopping Centre is the home of some of the Highstreet's favourite brands, with something for everyone - fashion, beauty, accessories, fragrances, books and more! You can find great toys and games for children at the Entertainer and TGJones! And incase you need a little refuelliing, there are several tasty places serving snacks, to eat in or to grab and go!

Set in the heart of the city, Eastgate Shopping Centre is yet another great place for gifts.  F.Hinds stocks the lovely Newbridge Silverware range of hanging ornaments, Christmas figurines from the Disney Traditions collection plus Lilliput Lane cottages with delightful wintry scenes. You will also find high street fashion favourites like H&M, Klass and JD Sports, and smaller shops such as Vinyl Vital Signs. Marks & Spencers is showcasing delicious Festive Foods, and the the seasonal collection is brimming with Christmas gift ideas. So whether you are looking for a Christmas Party outfit, or a Secret Santa Gift, Eastgate is a great place to start. Don't forget to pop into the indoor market too.

Gloucester Docks is home to some great foodie choices, the Gloucester Food Dock houses 12 local eateries, from Gelato through to Artisan Gin, whilst Gloucester Brewery has a large selection of gift sets showcasing their beers and gin. 

All you need to do now is grab your list of who you are buying for, wrap up warm, grab your wallet and head into the city to get that shopping done!