York is laced with shopping opportunities, whether you fancy a trendy new jumper, an assortment of local foods or a typical souvenir, you could spend all day shopping in the city. Although there is more than enough in the city center, the outskirts have plenty of little stores that are full of books and jewelry. It’s worth taking a trip to the outlet mall, where you’ll find famous brands at reasonable prices.
Books and antiquesBecause of the rich history York carries, there are antique shops on every corner that sell a range of porcelain, jewelry, books and textiles at all prices. The two most famous places to shop are located opposite each other in Stonegate at Cavendish Antiques and Collectors Center and The Antiques Center, combining over 100 different dealers to provide items for all tastes. For those of you literature fanatics, Ken Spelman Books has been named one of the best rare bookshops in Britain, and with over 40,000 books you won’t be short of choice. Slightly out of the city center is Janette Ray Booksellers which sells a diverse collection of books from modern to antique, they also offer world-wide shipping and gift wrapping services.
Fashion
Fashion stores such as Topshop, Accessorize and New Look are scattered around the city center, but York Designer Outlet provides a great chance for anyone to pick up a real bargain as famous products are sold at great prices. If you’re desperate for some retail therapy, catch a bus to Monks Cross Retail Park where you will find all the popular high street brands, along with McDonalds and Starbucks where you can catch your breath. Anyone with a more quirky fashion sense will be in paradise with York’s Fossgate and Stonegate streets, home to a collection of independent stores selling vintage and retro clothing, along with timeless and antique jewelry.
Artistic Galleries
It may not be in everyone’s interest to come away with a piece of art, but York has plenty of it. From original paintings, limited edition works to simple sketches, York’s art galleries display pieces from both local and internationally recognised artists. Braithwait Gallery on Low Petergate specialises in art from local artists, whereas Blake Gallery also offers designer jewelry and cards. York Glass, found in the Shambles, contains handmade glass jewelry, hearts and other treasures to be kept or given as gifts – why not buy a York lucky cat?
Something different
If you’re not after the typical holiday souvenir, don’t leave York empty handed! There are a range of quirky shops that sell things you might not find on every town’s high-street, starting with Christmas Angels. On Low Petergate you will find this gem of a shop, selling Christmas accessories all year round which range from decorations and musical boxes to traditional wooden toys. Stonegate Teddy Bears is a shop and a tea room, both pleasantly surprising and quite hidden, they sell a range of collectable and contemporary bears that are looking for new homes. Is fair trade fashion your thing? Maude & Tommy sell unique, handmade clothes for men and women whilst having a positive impact on the world as people do not suffer whilst making them. Finally, give the dog a bone, a shop selling two floors of items you don’t need, but definitely want! Unusual greetings cards and funky gifts galore.
Food for thought
York has a wealthy amount of local produce from mouth-watering chocolates to speciality ales which make perfect gifts, or for you to enjoy once you’re back home. Mr Simm’s Olde Sweet Shoppe has over 400 different sweets, available as pic’n’mix or in gift jars. The Hairy Fig sells locally sourced foods and homemade treats from oils to olives, truffle salt to duck liver pate, perfect to use in your cooking. For you chocolate fiends, if you’ve already been to Guppy’s then pick up something from Chocolate Heaven. Located in the Shambles, the chocolates are all made on the premises and have gained international recognition through being featured on various TV and radio shows.
