The 19 best places to go shopping in Brighton

Why go? A treasure trove of beautifully curated vintage designer clothes

Wolf and Gypsy is basically a mini art gallery for clothes. The garments here – which range from handpicked, vintage designer pieces to new lines from organic and sustainable brands – are immaculately curated in a showroom-style boutique, and interspersed with quirky boots, accessories and bags. We’ll level with you: this place isn’t exactly cheap, but there are some truly knockout items stocked in here, and whatever you find is sure to be a unique, top-quality addition to your wardrobe.

Why go? A record store that shows why live music matters too.

Brighton’s music scene has long fostered some of the best new bands in Britain. And while you can pick up second-hand LPs in a number of vintage shops throughout the North Laine, it’s at Resident where a love of records meets a passion for live music. You can pick up classics and the latest releases on vinyl, but time your visit right and you can catch bands playing in-store too. Proof, if it were needed, why we still need proper record stores.

Why go? One for the wannabe wine connoisseurs 

There are plenty of excellent bars in Brighton where you can sit back and enjoy a glass or two of pinot, merlot, or quite literally anything in between. However, the Wine Barrel is a local go-to for anyone after a nice bottle to enjoy at home, for a gift, or just to try a new grape in their tiny new terrace out front. The team here really knows their stuff, so whether you’re a wannabe connoisseur or honest about your cluelessness about wine, they’ll offer a knowledgeable helping hand.

Why go? Cool houseplants and homewares in a funky space in Seven Dials.

Brighton isn’t short of shops selling fashionable houseplants. But the ace Hi Cacti does so much more. Owner Sabina sells beautiful concrete pottery, which she makes herself, as well as handmade bags and homewares and, of course, low-maintenance plants that will liven up any living space. Pick up a copy of the Hi Cacti book while you’re there.

Why go? A truly independent bookshop with a great selection.

On the border between Brighton and Hove, City Books is everything you could ever want from an indie bookshop. Its staff are super-knowledgeable and always happy to make recommendations, whether you’re after the latest non-fiction or a classic title to lose yourself in. They also run regular events across the city, with the chance to hear more about new books and see authors read from their work.

Why go? For fans of all things illustration

Family Store is just one of the many places nestled on Kensington Gardens which is well worth a visit, once you’ve zig-zagged your way through the funnels of people wandering up and down. Inside, you’ll find a swanky, stylish shop full of things illustration – think artworks, key rings, prints and lots and lots of T-shirts, as well as some on-trend books, be them coffee-table fillers, novels or nonfiction essays.

Why go? One for the stationery nerds.

Billed as ‘the shop of your stationery dreams’, at Papersmiths it always feels like early September, a time of new pencil cases and big dreams. Journal keepers will find beautiful, hard-backed notepads ready for their daily scribbles. Those who eschew the tyranny of the smartphone calendar will find diaries galore. And anyone looking for a swanky pen or supplies for their desk won’t leave disappointed.

Why go? Vintage clobber that won’t break the bank.

Brighton has always been great when it comes to vintage. And with an increasing awareness of the damage fast fashion is doing to the planet, there’s never been a better time to dig out some pre-loved threads. Dirty Harry is our pick of the bunch, with an excellent line in jeans, bomber jackets and classic workwear. You’ll find it on Sydney Street, right in the heart of the action and close to other great vintage spots such as Beyond Retro.

Why go? Tasteful, contemporary homeware in a tasteful, contemporary store

The Lanes are dotted with plenty of shops selling quirky-looking, boho-style homeware, but if you’re after something a little more on the chic, Scandi side of decor, look no further than & halt. It occupies a corner of Hanningtons Lane, and has a deceptively large collection of all the kitchenware and soft furnishings you could possibly need – tableware, textiles, ceramics, the lot. The two founders, Nick and Alex, put their careers on hold to open this place (which they did in October 2021), and the handsome collection from predominantly European and Japanese suppliers proves it was actually a pretty good idea to quit the day job.

Why go? Guitars galore.

You can’t miss GAK. This music emporium on North Road is painted a brash red and yellow, is bedecked in street art of the likes of Hendrix, Prince and John Lennon and has a huge guitar hanging up on the wall outside. Head indoors and you’ll find an amazing array of guitars, with staff happy to help wide-eyed novices and gnarled pros alike. It’s not just guitars, though. Drummers, pianists and bassists are all catered for too.

Why go? The best flea market in Brighton and, arguably, the UK.

Snoopers Paradise is heaven for anyone in search of vintage treasure. Found on the narrow bustling strip of Kensington Gardens, its rambling walkways, hidden nooks and crannies and wealth of other worldly delights are enough to keep any shopper enthralled for an entire afternoon. Whether you want glassware from a 1980s pub, a set of Penguin Classics or an oversized tweed jacket, Snoopers has got you covered. There’s just one key rule: no pictures allowed.

Why go? A genuinely good menswear shop

Unless you’re looking for a vintage fit or a whacky, bespoke suit, the options for menswear shopping in Brighton are far from as plentiful as womenswear. Enter Peggs & Son. This independently run store, slap-bang in the bustle of Dukes Street, is a stylish shop stocked full of men’s jackets, shirts, jeans, and shoes from everywhere like big-name brands Patagonia and New Balance to lesser-known, independent labels. Don’t know where to start? The team will gladly help you out. 

Why go? Great art and design at affordable prices.

Now in a new location on Gardner Street, Dowse sells one-off prints, handmade jewellery and gorgeous textiles. Having moved around the city in recent years, it’s now in a popular spot where many visitors can drop by. The ceramics and homewares make it an excellent bet for anyone looking for one-off gifts.

Why go? Classy, whimsical womenswear

Tidy Street General Store has gotta be one of the quaintest little spots in Brighton. The pretty little shop is a must if you’re looking to invest in a high-end new outfit which has a bit of character. Clothes here come in bold shapes or feature whimsical details, and they have plenty of accessories and unusual jewellery on offer to match. 

Why go? Sharp fashion from a bygone age.

Brighton doesn’t wear its past lightly. And no group are more proud of their heritage than the Mods who pile down to the seafront on their scooters every bank holiday. For locals and visitors who like to look the part while cutting shapes to some Northern Soul or classic tunes by The Who, then Jump The Gun is where it’s at. Think tassel loafers, three-piece suits and silk scarves, with vintage eyewear to match.

Why go? Brighton’s oldest independent bookshop

Brighton has its fair share of lovely bookshops (see number five), and Kemptown Bookshop is a particular favourite. It’s the oldest independent bookstore in the city (opening back in 1976) and it stocks a well-rounded selection of novels, non-fiction, children’s books, toys and games. The first floor is home to their newly-refurbed cafe, and the space also hosts lots of events: think Q&As with authors or writing early morning writing clubs. 

Why go? A brilliant collection of handpicked, second hand clothes 

Brighton is awash with brilliant vintage and second hand shops, but sometimes wading through the endless pairs of dungarees and leather jackets can be a little tiresome. That’s where Preloved of Brighton comes in. The store, which is a little out of town at the Fiveways, has been showcasing second hand clothes from high end and highstreet brands since 2013, and it certainly knows what it’s doing. You can be the collection here will always be topped up with preloved garments in good condition. 

Why go? Upcycled mid-century, modern furniture from the experts.

Kitting out your home doesn’t have to mean a punishingly dull trip to an out-of-town shopping centre. Brighton’s North Laine is blessed with a number of vintage furniture shops, perfect for ensuring you don’t wind up with an identikit space. Era is the pick of them. Others are cheaper, but owners Sam and Simon take great care to get their pieces into perfect shape and know their stuff too.

Why go? Pretty knick-knacks and homeware galore

Velvet is a prime place to head if you’re furnishing a new living space. Pretty cushions, candles, vases and houseplants are on offer here, as well as an extensive womenswear collection (and soon to launch menswear collection). Even if you’re not furnishing anywhere new, and you’re just after a gift or a new knick-knack, it’s well worth the journey down Church Road for a browse.