Southampton Shopping
Southampton has a broad selection of high-end shopping destinations in WestQuay, Malls Marlands, Bargate, East Street, and West Quay Retail Park. It also has long-established stores and boutiques. In fact, when it comes to shopping, the designer shopping centers are considered to be amongst the top 20 in the UK. More plans are underway for Southampton, aiming to transform the city center into what proponents are calling the "Emporium of the South."
WestQuay
WestQuay is a shopping center in the hub of the city, and it has 90 shops on three floors. You will find exactly what you need here with the broad selection of well known fashion retailers like River Island, Zara, Dune, Coast, French Connection, and gigantic retailers like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer.
Shoppers can also stop for a quick lunch at the Food Terrace, which has food retailers like Harry Ramsden, Café Giardino, and Nando. Snacks are available in an assortment of cafés like Krispy Kreme and Pret A Manger.
Mall Marlands
The Mall Marlands opened on 5 September 1991 and it was originally named The Mall Marlands Shopping Centre. The complex is an enclosed space, with 60 stores spread on two floors. There is also access to Above Bar Street, the main shopping street. The complex is located in the London Road, High Street, and East Street area. This shopping destination has independent stores, chain stores, and a broad choice of fashion clothing and accessories. Poundland, Disney Store, and Matalan are the biggest tenants. Hungry shoppers can also get snack and meals at the food court.
Bargate Shopping Centre
The Bargate Shopping Center opened in 1989 and it is named after the Bargate landmark. It is an assortment of specialist stores rather than a designer shopping complex. Stores include a photographic studio, a nail salon, and electronic stores. The Sega amusement center is also located here.
East Street
This is not a designer shopping center like WestQuay and Malls Marlands, but a shopping district featuring specialty stores. The city council wanted to ensure that Southhampton was not entirely defined by chain stores.
West Quay Retail Park
This should not be confused with WestQuay Mall. Located in the city center, it is a collection of stores, with a branch of Matalan as its flagship shop.