Chichester offers a delightful smorgasbord of shopping choices, from renowned high street brands to unique independent stores, making it the perfect destination to prepare for the festive season. The city’s pedestrianised areas, complemented by stunning architecture and charming shop fronts, provide a magical and unforgettable Christmas shopping experience. There are also a range of Christmas markets to discover.
Festive Finds for the Whole Family
Chichester’s main high streets boast an array of big name stores. From Mint Velvet, The White Company, Jigsaw, M&S, White Stuff, FatFace, Crew Clothing, Oliver Bonas and Seasalt Cornwall, to Flannels, Sports Direct, TK Maxx, Pandora and many more. Lakeland and Robert Dyas are your go-to places for electricals and kitchen gadgets, and for indulgent fragrances and beauty, explore L’Occitane, Space NK, Boots, Lush and The Body Shop. Waterstones, The Works, Sussex Stationers, Vinegar Hill and Mooch offer books, crafts, and stationery, with Hotel Chocolat offering delectable sweet treats. Check out our Festive Food Shopping Guide for more culinary gift inspiration.
Have a Very Indie Christmas in Chichester
But what sets Chichester’s shopping experience apart is the wonderful collection of over 200 independent stores and boutiques. These hidden gems, nestled among the well-known names, can be found on the city’s main high streets and picturesque side streets, including Crane Street, The Hornet, St Martins, Little London, and Baffins Lane.
Indulge in Independent Style
For the fashion-forward man in your life, explore Dartagnan, Stephen Lawrence Menswear, and Hansfords Menswear. These boutiques offer designer menswear and accessories, featuring brands like Hugo Boss, Paul Smith, Sandbanks, Hackett, Mooseknuckles, and more. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Zig Zag on South Street to find the perfect pair of shoes, they stock a fantastic selection of well-known and emerging brands and styles.
Celebrate Their Style
For women who appreciate style and elegance, Chichester’s independent boutiques have you covered. Discover a range of fashion and accessories at Albaray, Jaba Yard, Gorgeous, Il Lusso, All That Glitters and Little London Boutique. From luxury designers including Charlotte Sparre and Chochinelle at Stephen Lawrence Ladies Wear to unique retro fashion finds from Cherry Vintage and Joe Browns exclusively at Almshouse Arcade, you’ll find gifts as special as they are.
Homewares and Gifting
For unique home decor and gifting, visit Winter’s Moon, The Bazaar, and The Barn’s Townhouse. Explore a unique range of vintage, fairtrade and handmade gifts and homewares and rare British brands, making for perfect, thoughtful gifts. Chichester’s independent art shops, such as Artisan Gallery, Art for All and Cloud Gallery, bring a new dimension to gifting. And how about a mooch around the gift shops at Chichester Cathedral, Pallant House Gallery, and The Novium Musuem for unique historical and cultural finds. For floral delights for your home, wreaths for your door, table arrangements, and more, Chichester’s independent florists, Bunch and Hedge Rose, have you covered.
Watches and Jewellery
Discover a dazzling array of independent jewellers and watch shops in Chichester, offering everything from stunning sapphire rings to bracelets, necklaces, and cufflinks. With stores like Timothy Roe, Ebony Jewellers, Gold Arts Jewellers, and The Jewellery and Watch Company, the list goes on. All are family-run businesses offering exceptional customer service and advice. For vintage and preloved jewellery, read more in our Sustainable Christmas in Chichester Guide.
Gifts for Tricky Teens
Chichester provides a solution to the challenge of finding the perfect gifts for teens. Vintage and retro enthusiasts will appreciate Vintro Chichester, a treasure trove of unique finds, including iconic Levi 501s and North Face jackets.
If your teen loves a touch of luxury and personalisation, look no further than Katie Loxton Chichester. Here, you’ll find personalised handbags, jewellery, makeup bags, and more. And for the tech savvy teen, gift the latest accessories from My Phone and Phone In.
For music enthusiasts, Ackerman Music is the go-to place, offering a wide range of instruments, sheet music, and accessories to fuel their passion, whether they’re budding musicians, dedicated listeners or aspiring rock stars.
Vinyl records have made a comeback and make a fantastic gift for music-loving teens. Explore classic and contemporary records at stores like Analogue October Records or Helter Skelter Records and help your teen start to expand their vinyl collection. Or if your kid’s into comics or gaming, then Comics, Games & Coffee is the place to head to.
Finally, ESP, Chichester’s family-run rolling sports specialist is the place to go for teens who are into extreme sports. Rollerblading, skateboarding, BMXing, and scootering, let owner Jamie and his team help you find the perfect gift for the adrenalin junkie in your family.
Gifts for Kids
Finding the perfect gift for kids is all about creativity and imagination. Chichester has several independent stores that cater to the younger crowd.
Located on South Street, Whirligig Toys offers an extensive selection of unique toys and games. Each item is handpicked by the owner Peter to engage and entertain children of all ages, making it a great place to discover gifts and stocking fillers that spark creativity.
You’ll find every imaginable toy brand at Kids Stuff Toys. From beloved classics like Lego, Barbie, and Ravensburger to the latest trending toys, this store is a haven for children and parents seeking the perfect gift.
Discover Antique Treasures and Literary Delights
For those with an appreciation for the timeless beauty of antiques and the written word, Chichester boasts a selection of independent antique businesses. Explore the curated collections at Peter Hancock Antiques, Squirrel Antiques, and Gem Antiques, where you can uncover unique and exquisite pieces with stories of their own. These antiques make for memorable and distinctive gifts, adding a touch of history and charm to your festive season. And for those who cherish the magic of books, don’t forget to browse St Olav Trust Christian Book Shop and Pallant Bookshop.
Gifts for Hobbyists and Outdoor Enthusiasts
If their passion is the great outdoors, Chichester boasts a selection of independent stores perfect for gifting.
The Run Company is a haven for runners, offering a range of high-quality running gear and accessories to enhance their performance. While Goodrowes provides a treasure trove for gardeners and outdoor lovers, offering a wide variety of gardening tools and accessories. At Chichester Armoury there is also a selection of shooting equipment and supplies.
Clothkits and We are Yarn is the destination for sewing and crafting enthusiasts. Here, you’ll find a wide range of sewing kits, fabrics, and patterns to inspire creativity and help crafters bring their ideas to life.
Chichester’s Christmas shopping experience harmoniously blends the traditional and the contemporary, the mainstream and the local. As you stroll through the city’s pedestrianised streets, bask in the glow of the stunning Christmas lights, and admire the charm of the shop fronts, you’ll realise that Chichester isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a place to create unforgettable Christmas memories. For a culinary journey this season, don’t forget to explore our Festive Food Shopping Guide.