Shop-ortunities!

Meadowhall shopping centre

Leeds

Given that the city is less than 30 minutes on the train from York, it would be a serious fashion faux-pas not to visit lively Leeds for a day of shopping. One of the main reasons the people of York and students alike flock to nearby Leeds is to pay a visit to the huge Primark. I think I speak for the majority of the student population in York when I say that it is surprising that York has not jumped on the Primark band wagon, considering that the town has squeezed in virtually every other high street store.

Primark, with its ‘credit crunch couture’ items, has definitely become a favourite with student populations across the country, who visit the store to pick up essential going out clobber and fancy dress gear. As it stands, Leeds is the nearest place to grab a Primark fix. Located in the city centre at The Old Odeon, it should be a key stop on any shopping circuit.

From one extreme to another: Leeds is also home to the first Harvey Nichols outside London. Located on the historic Victoria Quarter, the famous store has five floors of shopportunity and a Café & Bar, so that you can refuel with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner! If Mr Nichols is out of your shopping budget, then at least pop into the store to admire the divine designer collection it carries. I unashamedly do this on a regular basis! From Stella McCartney to Chloé, it is a designer diva’s heaven.

Sheffield

Alternatively, hop aboard the train and arrive approximately one hour later in Sheffield, one of the eight largest English cities. The city centre is charismatic, but is very similar to Leeds and Manchester as far as high streets go.

So, I suggest you head straight to Meadowhall shopping centre. This is 10 minutes on the train from the city station, but is also reachable on a direct train line from York. The trains are less frequent and slightly more expensive, but it is dreadfully convenient. Meadowhall shopping centre houses more than 270 stores, more than 30 restaurants and fast-food outlets, and a newly refurbished Vue Cinema. Meadowhall offers new heights for the retail junkie with mall after mall of stores and boutiques.

The shopping centre has all the major department stores such as Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, BHS, and House of Fraser, which are all handily under one roof. If you can, avoid going to Meadowhall at the weekend, as it will be more like Meadow-hell. With more and more stores itching to be part of the centre (like the American company Hollister) it is worth saving some pennies to flitter away at Meadowhall.

Manchester

Further afield, yet still accessible in a day, is the massive shopping haven of Manchester. In the town centre alone there are two in-door shopping centres; The Arndale and The Triangle. Basically, every single high street store is housed in these two centres, along with a variety of food & drink, sports & leisure, and health & beauty facilities. Head to The Triangle for more unusual and unique brands such as EAST and Eduardo Pelle. Not forgetting the great British high street itself, which features an enormous Primark in the heart of the city centre and an unavoidable Selfridges & Co at Exchange Square. Pop into Selfridges and grab some lunch at their swanky Moet bar or Yo! Sushi.

Whether you choose Leeds, Manchester or Sheffield for shopping, be warned: you will return to little old York much poorer than when you left. But at least you will have satisfied your retail cravings… well at least until next month.

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