If you’re planning a shopping trip to Birmingham, there’s one destination that deserves a place at the top of your list: Bullring & Grand Central.
Right in the heart of Birmingham city centre, Bullring brings together some of the biggest names in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and entertainment, making it one of the best places for shopping in Birmingham. From high-street favourites and luxury beauty to family-friendly stores and some seriously exciting recent arrivals, there is plenty to fill a Birmingham shopping day.
And the retail scene is continuing to evolve. Recent years have seen major names including Bershka, Pull&Bear, Space NK and UNIQLO arrive, while 2026 has brought even more new faces to Birmingham, including Subdued, Trailberg, Moida K-Beauty and SushiDog.
So, if you’re wondering where to shop in Birmingham, what stores you shouldn’t miss and where to eat when you need a break, here’s our guide to spending the perfect day at the Bullring.
Start with the newest Birmingham shops and recent Bullring openings
One of the best things about shopping at Bullring is that the Birmingham shopping scene never stays still. There is always a new store to discover, and 2026 has continued that trend.
Subdued arrived at Bullring in spring 2026, bringing its Italian-inspired, youthful fashion to Birmingham shoppers.
Think denim, linen, coordinated looks and trend-led pieces that are particularly popular with younger shoppers.
For something a little more performance-focused, Trailberg opened in April 2026. The Manchester-born menswear brand specialises in clothing designed with mountain running and outdoor movement in mind, including hoodies, jackets, T-shirts, shorts and accessories.
Beauty lovers have another reason to visit with Moida K-Beauty, which brings Korean skincare, makeup, haircare and bodycare to Bullring. Its personalised consultations make it a great stop if you’re looking to discover the latest K-beauty trends or build a new skincare routine.
And if you’re planning a food break during your Birmingham shopping trip, SushiDog opened at Bullring in January 2026, giving shoppers another quick and fresh option for lunch.
These newer arrivals sit alongside some of the destination’s most talked-about recent additions, making now a particularly exciting time to explore the shops in Birmingham city centre.
Shop the latest fashion at Bershka, Pull&Bear, Zara and more
For fashion fans, Bullring is one of the best places to find the latest high-street trends in Birmingham.
Two names that have become major talking points are Bershka and Pull&Bear. The two Inditex brands share a 36,453 sq ft superstore, bringing youthful streetwear, casual fashion, accessories and footwear together in one destination.
At Bershka, expect bold, trend-led pieces with plenty of statement fashion, while Pull&Bear takes a more relaxed approach with streetwear-inspired styles and everyday essentials for men and women.
Then there’s Zara, which stretches across two floors with womenswear, menswear and kidswear, alongside handy services such as click and collect and fitting-room booking.
For sportswear and sneakers, Foot Locker is another must-visit, with Nike, adidas, Champion and more, while Levi’s is the place to go for iconic denim, alterations and personalisation.
Luxury shoppers aren’t forgotten either. Selfridges brings together designer fashion, beauty, homeware and food beneath its instantly recognisable disc-covered exterior, while brands such as Michael Kors and Coach add designer accessories and fashion to the Bullring line-up.
For a serious wardrobe refresh, it’s hard to beat a day exploring the best fashion shops in Birmingham at Bullring.
Make time for beauty: Space NK, Sephora and Birmingham's beauty scene
Birmingham’s Bullring has become something of a beauty destination in its own right.
A particular highlight for beauty shoppers is Space NK, which opened at Bullring bringing more than 100 sought-after beauty brands together under one roof. Its range includes Tatcha, Drunk Elephant, Rare Beauty, Hourglass, MILK, Olaplex, Sol de Janeiro and Diptyque, alongside complimentary one-to-one beauty consultations.
You can also explore Sephora, Boots, Superdrug, KIKO Milano and the beauty counters inside Selfridges. The result is an impressive choice of makeup, skincare, haircare and fragrance, from affordable favourites to luxury products.
And for anyone interested in Korean beauty, Moida K-Beauty and PURESEOUL make Bullring particularly appealing. Moida focuses on curated Korean skincare, makeup, hair and bodycare, while PURESEOUL offers an extensive selection of K-beauty products.
So, if your idea of shopping in Birmingham involves a little retail therapy followed by a new cleanser, fragrance or makeup obsession, put plenty of time aside for the beauty shops.
Birmingham shopping with the family: LEGO, Primark and Jellycat
A shopping day in Birmingham doesn’t have to be all about fashion.
Bullring is also a brilliant destination for a family day out in Birmingham, with plenty to keep younger shoppers entertained.
The LEGO Store is an obvious highlight. It is the second-largest LEGO Store in the UK and the largest outside London, with the UK’s largest Pick & Build Wall, exclusive LEGO sets, building events and workshops.
Then there’s Primark Birmingham on High Street, just a short walk from Bullring. It is officially the world’s largest Primark, covering around 160,000 sq ft across five floors and offering fashion, beauty, homeware and kidswear.
For younger children, The Entertainer is another great stop. Alongside toys and games, the store features a free soft-play area and an interactive Peppa Pig house.
And, of course, there is the Jellycat General Store inside Selfridges. Bullring has become a must-visit destination for Jellycat fans, with the UK’s largest Jellycat store opening inside Selfridges in 2024.
For families visiting Birmingham, this makes Bullring much more than somewhere to shop. It becomes an experience that can keep everyone entertained.
Discover more than fashion: POP MART, lifestyle and gifts
Some of the best Birmingham shops are the ones you stumble across when you’re not looking for anything in particular.
POP MART Birmingham, for example, is the brand’s first store outside London. Fans of art toys, blind boxes and collectible figures can browse new drops and limited-edition designs, making it a fun addition to any Birmingham shopping itinerary.
There’s also MINISO at Grand Central, where you can find plush toys, home accessories, beauty products, gadgets and licensed favourites including Sanrio, Snoopy, Harry Potter and Lilo & Stitch.
For gifts, homeware and those little things you absolutely did not intend to buy but somehow end up carrying around Birmingham, the wider Bullring & Grand Central destination has plenty to explore.
The best approach? Give yourself time to wander. Some of the most enjoyable Birmingham shopping experiences come from discovering something completely unexpected.
Stop for lunch: where to eat at Bullring
All that shopping is hungry work, so a good lunch stop should be part of the plan.
For a relaxed sit-down lunch, Bill’s Bullring Restaurant is a popular choice in the centre itself, with a varied menu that works well for groups and families.
For something quick and fresh, SushiDog Bullring is a newer addition, serving sushi-inspired rolls, bowls and salads that are easy to fit into a busy shopping day.
If you’re craving noodles, curries or Asian-inspired dishes, Banana Tree Birmingham Bullring offers Pan-Asian food, while wagamama birmingham bullring is an easy family-friendly option.
For something a little more special, Browns Birmingham sits on Spiceal Street, overlooking St Martin’s Square. It’s a lovely choice if you want to slow down, enjoy a longer lunch and recharge before heading back into the shops.
And if you’re looking beyond the Bullring itself, Grand Central is also packed with places to eat, from ramen and Vietnamese food to Indian street food.
Make a full day of your Birmingham shopping trip
One of the best things about Bullring is its location. You can arrive in Birmingham city centre, spend the morning shopping, stop for lunch and then continue exploring without needing to travel across the city.
Bullring’s standard centre hours are currently 10am–8pm Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm on Saturday and 11am–5pm on Sunday, although individual retailers can have different opening times.
The destination also offers far more than shops. If you’ve got children with you, or simply want to add some entertainment to your day, Bullring includes experiences such as Lane7, TOCA Social, Treetop Golf and Sandbox VR.
And once you’ve finished your shopping, Birmingham city centre is yours to explore. Take a walk towards the Jewellery Quarter, discover Digbeth’s street art, enjoy Birmingham’s canals or simply find a cosy bar and watch the city go by.
Turn your Birmingham shopping trip into a luxury city break at aparthotel Birmingham
After a full day of shopping in Birmingham, the last thing you want is to worry about rushing home.That’s where aparthotel Birmingham comes in.
Located at St Chads Queensway in the city centre, aparthotel Birmingham combines the flexibility of an apartment with the service and comfort of a luxury hotel. It’s designed for guests who want more space than a traditional hotel room, with apartments featuring fully equipped kitchens, separate living areas and washer-dryers.
For families, couples or groups visiting Birmingham for a shopping weekend, there are a variety of apartment options, including Grand Studios, one-bedroom apartments, family studios and spacious two-bedroom apartments.
After a day carrying shopping bags around the Bullring, you can return to your apartment, put your feet up and enjoy the extra space that comes with apartment living. There’s also a 24-hour concierge, complimentary superfast Wi-Fi, an on-site shop and luxury Rituals toiletries to make your stay feel that little bit more special.
And because you’re staying in the heart of Birmingham, your shopping trip doesn’t have to be squeezed into a few hours. Make a weekend of it, explore more of the city, enjoy a leisurely lunch, book a special dinner and return to your apartment whenever you’re ready.
Ready for your next Birmingham shopping trip? Book a stay at aparthotel Birmingham and turn a day of shopping at Bullring into a stylish Birmingham city break.
With the latest Birmingham shops, exciting new arrivals, family favourites, beauty destinations, restaurants and entertainment all close by, Bullring is the perfect starting point for discovering the best of shopping in Birmingham- and aparthotel Birmingham is the perfect place to relax when the shopping bags finally come down.