A shopaholic in Birmingham

Birmingham has become Europe's capital for shopping with everything from the iconic Bullring to a variety of malls and a range of traditional markets, offering your heart's desires whether it be designer labels or second-hand bargains.

First stop for flexing the plastic has to be the Bullring, the epicentre of the city's all-round shopping experience, flanked by Selfridges and Debenhams department stores. If you can't find what you are looking for here it probably isn't available to buy. Pretty much every high street store is represented in the Bullring along with designer names like Armani, Tommy Hilfiger and Links of London, and of course there are plenty of places to stop off and grab a bite to eat.

If you fancy stepping out of the Bullring and discovering what else is on offer there are shopping malls galore in the city including the Great Western Arcade, Pavilion Central, The Pallasades, Martineau Place, City Plaza and House of Fraser. Meanwhile, if it's high-end designer wear that you fancy, head over to the other side of town and hit the Mailbox, home to Harvey Nics.

“It's believed that at least 40% of all UK jewellery comes from the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham„

So you can't come to the city without visiting this area. It offers hand-made jewellery at great prices and whilst there, it's likely you'll spot the odd happy couple choosing specially designed engagement and wedding rings.

For bargain hunters Birmingham's many markets provide all of the haggling opportunities you could need. Some of the markets are year-round such as the Flea Market at the Custard Factory, which is great for vintage clothes.

Other markets come and go, including a great German market at Christmas, but fun and atmosphere is always guaranteed. One thing's for sure - after a visit to Birmingham city centre you will definitely need someone to help you carry the bags!

If you don't want to head into the city centre a number of nearby towns can also offer great shopping days out. Solihull is home to Touchwood Shopping Centre with the only John Lewis in the Heart of England and a range of other shops including designer clothes, high street stores, unique boutiques and not forgetting an Apple store - the gadget lover's Mecca.

Touchwood is also home to Cineworld, a state-of-the-art nine-screen cinema. While shopaholics hit the shops, people who aren't so bothered (i.e. husbands and kids) can grab some popcorn and relax in front of a film to pass the time.