Couple walking past Trapeze Kids shop on Sharrow Vale Couple walking past Trapeze Kids shop on Sharrow Vale

Sheffield’s authentic and independent spirit is reflected in its retail - and there are several areas of the city where clusters of independent shops have grown into quirky shopping districts in their own right.

From Sheffield-made wares produced by local makers and vintage treasures, to designer boutiques, both in the city centre and a bit further out, you'll find an eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants in distinctive areas.

That’s not to say the city doesn’t do high-street - there’s plenty of that on offer too. Fargate and The Moor are the shopping precincts in the centre are where you’ll find a host of big names, though there's also a host of independent places if you want to mix it up. Further out of the city, a quick nip on the tram, Meadowhall is Sheffield’s huge indoor shopping centre - the largest in Yorkshire, it's got pretty much any big retailer you can think of under its roof.

Sheffield Street listed second in the Top 10 Hotspots for indie shops

American Express and Shop Small commissioned research with GlobalData to reveal the top 10 UK high streets for independent shops, with Sheffield's Division /Devonshire Street placing second.

Located in the Devonshire Quarter of Sheffield City Centre, the street has been a vibrant hub for independent businesses for over 30 years and is full of quirky shops, cafes, pubs and bars, attracting visitors day and night. ..

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Inside the Sheffield Makers Hub. The whole place is choc full of all sorts of things made by local Sheffield makers.

Shop local; shop indie

Independence is stamped into the Sheffield DNA and it's a great place to shop local. Across the city you'll find loads of fantastic indie retailers, purveying everything from arts and crafts supplies to craft beers, vintage clothes to vinyl. 

If you fancy whiling away some hours browsing and stopping for a bite to eat, it’s worth exploring some pockets of the city where there are clusters of great indie shops close by to one another, alongside some great watering holes, coffee shops and lunch/brunch places.

Here we've put together a selection of some of our favourite shopping spots across Sheffield - take a stroll down Division Street, lose yourself in the Antiques Quarter, or break the climb to Crookes with a stop off at Broomhill and lose yourself in record heaven. 

City Centre

They say the high street is in decline - but not for the indie shops of Sheffield. From beer to books, you'll find it here. If you're looking to find out what makes us tick, why not start in the heart of the city? 

Sheffield City Centre
Inside the books and magazine specialist Labibliotek who are based in Kommune. People are browsing the shelves of books.

Ecclesall Road and Sharrow Vale Road

Take a walk this way and you'll be spoilt for choice. Eccllesall Road has great food and drink options on every corner, while Sharrow Vale Road is the very epitome of an independent retail street. Come for the handmade doughtnuts, stay for the burritos, leave with a print from the Pete McKee art gallery. 

Ecclesall Road & Sharrowvale Road
A large crowd of people looking round an outdoor market on Sharrow Vale Road in Sheffield.

Kelham Island

The old heart of industry is now a hub of independent eateries, bars and shops. From micro-breweries and bakeries to flea markets and food halls, you'll certainly not be bored.  

Kelham Island
Rows of shelves and racks full of books and records at Kelham Books & Music.

Hillsborough

Like Kelham, Hillsborough was once considered on the fringes - but this has fuelled the independent spirit evident in its indie shops. Mosey down Middlewood Road for a beer or a brew, stop by the Cupola Art Gallery or pick up a locally-made gift at Annie Jude's.  

Hillsborough
Inside Cupola Gallery at Hillsborough. The walls are covered with paintings by local artists. In the foreground is a display stand filled with prints and greetings cards. A smiling woman is standing in the background opening a large package.

Abbeydale Road & Nether Edge

Abbeydale Road is informally known as the Antiques Quarter because of - you guessed it - the number of antiques shops (in a city that loves antiques), but it's also a thriving mile of bottle shops, bars, makers shops and record emporiums which stretches into the leafy suburb of Nether Edge.

Abbeydale Road & Nether Edge
The exterior of Coles Corner on  Abbeydale Road in Sheffield.

Crookes, Walkley & Broomhill

It's a climb but it's worth it! Perched in the heights, this corner of the city hosts some hidden indie gems. Find vintage togs, records, farm produce, plants and more. 

Crookes, Walkley & Broomhill
Inside Plantology at Walkley. The whole shop is filled with plants and plant pots. A woman is stocking one of the shelves.

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Food & Drink

Want to grab a cuppa and a cake to refuel? Or a great meal to finish the day the right way? Find some ideas here.

Food and drink
An overhead shot of a table in a restaurant filled with plates of food and drinks. There are people, mostly out of shot, enjoying the meal.
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