The eclectic delights of North Laine could keep even the most jaded shopper busy for days. This funky, fiercely independent retail area boasts every kind of vintage shop imaginable. Make a beeline here for retro furniture and timelessly cool fashion from decades gone by. If you’re after a quirky specialist gift, you’ve come to the right place. There are entire shops here dedicated to Dutch bicycles, bonsai trees, rare anime and video game memorabilia, and vegetarian shoes. You can also snack to your heart's content, whether you fancy a big juicy burger or a vegan wrap.
Churchill Square
Conveniently located smack bang in the middle of town, Churchill Square offers the best of high street shopping under one giant glass-domed roof. This is a shiny reminder that Brighton isn't just about quirky indie fashion, with 3 levels packed with well known high street names, whether it's trendy US labels or famous British brands. This is also where you can grab gadgets and computer tablets, before tucking into Italian gelato and classic American diner fare.
Kemptown
Kemptown has been a shopping destination since the late 18th century, and a charming old-world atmosphere prevails here today. Independent retailers rule the roost, with friendly delis, wine shops, and booksellers serving hordes of fiercely loyal local customers. This being Brighton’s gay quarter, you’ll also find a selection of specialist shops and cafés serving the LGBT community, in addition to countless lively pubs and bars. Antiques are another Kemptown speciality, with a delightfully eclectic range of shops and stalls to rival those in The Lanes.
Hove
Elegant Hove offers an altogether more rarefied shopping experience than you’ll find in the brash, bohemian city centre. It's too often overlooked in favour of the loud and proud delights of the North Laine, but Hove makes for a refreshingly laid back counterbalance to Brighton proper. Going for a wander around these parts, you can expect to see sleek interior design stores, alluring designer furniture outlets, and seriously upmarket DIY shops. There’s also an array of gastronomic delights on offer, with delightful patisseries, artisan cheese shops, and a wildly popular street market.
