With everything from major international fashion names to genuine Yorkshire independents, the retail scene of Leeds has it in the bag.

It is no surprise that in a city with the economic power of Leeds, there is a dazzling array of places in which to indulge in some retail therapy. From the cathedral of fashion that is the Victoria Quarter to the designer stores of The Light; the independent boutiques of the arcades and the newly renovated Grade 1 listed Corn Exchange, the shopping opportunities in Leeds are as desirable as they are diverse.

Luxury shopping
Leeds boasts internationally renowned stores, many of which are flagship premises for London-based companies. A significant number of these are found under the stained glass roof of the Victoria Quarter.

“The Victoria Quarter is the pinnacle of shopping luxury in Leeds,” explains centre manager John Bade. “It’s the obvious choice for major names like Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith that want to locate in the North. We have over 70 fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands with everyone from Harvey Nichols and T.M. Lewin to great Yorkshire independents like Rose&Co and Daisy Chain. It’s a very friendly relaxed place to shop or work, where everyone receives the best service and genuine care.”

For the best in retail care, the personal shopping service provided by Harvey Nichols allows shoppers to find their perfect purchase away from the bustle of the store, with the friendly, helpful advice of the experienced team.

Easy access
According to the Rough Guide to Britain 2006 Leeds is the UK’s best shopping destination. This is in no small part due to the ease with which shoppers can move around the city and between the retail hubs.

As Brian Oakley, Centre Manager of The Light describes, “The centre of Leeds is compact and accessible so people are able to enjoy their city to the full. The proximity of The Light and other major retail areas to the main business district means that people can pop out in their lunch break and enjoy a bit of shopping, go out for a meal or use the gym. This means that although we offer all the choice and services of a major metropolis, you also enjoy the benefits of a more relaxed and pleasant lifestyle.”

The White Rose Centre offers a convenient out-of-town shopping option, with many major brands under one roof, and ample space for parking.

Developments
The success of Leeds’ retail industry is evident not only in the bursting shopping bags of its fashion-conscious residents but also in the volume of investment and expansion in the city. In the last decade £294 million has been invested in retail and leisure developments in the city centre and yet more is to follow.

Eastgate Quarters is a £800 million retail and leisure development, which will revitalise the east end of the city centre creating a wide, European-style boulevard in the centre of town. The adjoining Templar Street project will consist of 84,000 square metres of retail space including leading fashion and beauty names and a flagship John Lewis store. The Harewood Courts development next door will house designer clothing stores and a range of housing framed by world class architecture.

Closer to the train station, the Trinity Leeds development is set to provide one million square feet of retail space by integrating and renovating the area between Briggate and Park Row.

As Gerald Jennings, regional portfolio director for Land Securities explains, “We will create a landmark development at this key location that is on a par with Europe’s top shopping destinations.” This joint venture between Land Securities and Caddick Developments will have a completion value of up to £650 million and with over 103,000 people working within a kilometre of Trinity Leeds it is bound to be popular.

Whether you are after world famous fashion names, exclusive boutiques, bespoke couture, magnificent jewellery, designer accessories or therapeutic health and beauty treatments you will find it all in the cosmopolitan and cosy shopping areas of Leeds.