In recent years, the West Midlands has emerged as a hub for sustainable shopping, offering a plethora of options for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint while still enjoying retail therapy!
From vibrant markets and vintage shops to zero-waste establishments and even eco-friendly shopping shows, the region has something for every green-minded consumer.
Let’s dive into our guide to the top sustainable shopping spots in the region!
Vintage Shops
Sheanies Vintage
Address: 544 Bristol Rd, Birmingham B29 6BD
Sheanies Vintage transports visitors back in time with its carefully curated collection of retro pre-loved fashion and accessories. From 60s mod dresses to 80s power suits, every piece tells a story and adds a touch of nostalgia to your wardrobe.
Cow Vintage
Address: 82-85 Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6DY
Cow Vintage in Birmingham is a retro haven, with a huge range of vintage pieces from funky prints and wacky accessories to premium denim and customised designer pieces.
Unearthed
Address: Station Road, Kings Heath
Unearthed is a real hidden gem. From hand-picked antique furniture to unique home accessories and fashion pieces, this glorious Aladdin’s cave is tucked away just off Station Road and is well worth the visit.
The Oasis
Address: 114 Corporation St, Birmingham B4 6SX
The Oasis is an absolute must when seeking second-hand vintage and gothic clothing that’s great quality and doesn’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking to step back into the 90s with a Shell Suit or looking for your new favourite sweatshirt, you’ll find racks on racks of retro clothing in The Oasis.
Top Banana
Address: 14 York Rd, King's Heath, Birmingham B14 7RZ
If you’re bananas about second hand steals, head over to Top Banana where you’ll find tons of unique American vintage clothes, as well as accessories and shoes. Get a whole new wardrobe whilst giving items another life with plenty of big brands and one-of-a-kind pieces to choose from.
Don’t forget to grab a coffee and a pastry from one of King’s Heath’s stunning independent cafes afterwards!
Markets
Red Brick Market
Address: Red Brick Market, 119 Floodgate St, Deritend, Birmingham B5 5SU
Red Brick Market in Digbeth is a treasure trove waiting to be explored! Nestled in the heart of the city, the market showcases a diverse array of handmade crafts, artisanal foods, and eco-friendly products, allowing shoppers to connect directly with the people behind the goods.
Edgbaston Artisan Markets
Address: 5 Greenfield Cres, Birmingham B15
Running once a month from April to December, Edgbaston Artisan Market is Birmingham’s largest artisan market, packed with independent stalls to explore in the heart of Edgbaston village. Explore a huge variety of local traders, from art to eats.
Birmingham Rag Market
Address: 50 Edgbaston St, Birmingham B5 4RQ
You won’t want to miss the famous Birmingham Rag Market which offers a mix of fashion, fabrics, haberdashery, gifts, household goods and more. With 350 stalls and 17 shops around the edge of the market to visit, there’s enough there to keep you exploring for days!
Zero-Waste Shops
The Clean Kilo
Address: 249 Mary Vale Rd, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1PN
The Clean Kilo in Bournville is the largest zero-waste supermarket in the UK and is a shining example of the movement, offering shoppers the chance to buy food, household products, and toiletries without the unnecessary packaging.
By encouraging customers to bring their own containers and refill them with organic, locally sourced goods, The Clean Kilo helps to reduce single-use plastic waste and promote a more circular economy.
Green Options Zero Waste, Shrewsbury
Address: Unit 11, Darwin Shopping Centre, Pride Hill, Shrewsbury SY1 2BG
Discover a wide range of single-use-plastic-free foods, toiletries and household products in this fantastic low-impact store. You’ll find a plethora of refill options including olive oil, vinegars, shampoos and conditioners, a huge selection of dry produce, as well as plastic-free lifestyle items including water bottles, silicone sandwich bags, sanitary items and more!
Eco Maniax
Address: 34 Ryemarket, Stourbridge DY8 1HJ
Eco Maniax is a haven for earth-conscious consumers, offering a range of package-free goods to help you reduce your environmental footprint. You can find an array of mostly organic pastas, rices, pulses, peas and beans, cereals, dried fruits, oils and vinegars and herbs and spices, as well as regular deliveries from local suppliers including bread, honey, beers, and cheese.
Charity shops
Birmingham and the West Midlands boasts a whole host of incredible charity shops. From Acocks Green and Bromsgrove to Harborne and Kings Heath and beyond, these stores offer a treasure trove of pre-loved clothing, books, homeware, and more - all at bargain prices.
Not only do charity shops provide an affordable and responsible alternative to fast fashion, but they also support important causes and initiatives within the local community - a win-win for the planet and those in need.
Some great ones to pay a visit to are Cancer Research shops - on Corporation Street, and in Harborne, Cotteridge, and Erdington. Shirley in Solihull has even been dubbed the ‘charity shop capital of Britain’ with around 15 charity shops in the space of 1 mile, making the perfect green weekend activity!
Events
The Good Clothes Show
Details: NEC, 20-22 September 2024
Coming to the NEC this September, get ready for a sustainable shopping spectacular at The Good Clothes Show, the largest-ever assembly of eco-conscious boutiques, brands, artisan makers and vintage treasures! Join celebrities and industry heavyweights all under one roof to celebrate the best of eco-friendly fashion.
The show is focused on continuing the surge in interest in second-hand clothing by showing consumers a curated collection of brands and retailers offering responsible alternatives to fast fashion.
So, whether you're browsing the stalls of a bustling market, hunting for vintage treasures, stocking up on plastic-free essentials, or perusing the racks of a charity shop, there's no shortage of ways to make a positive impact on the planet while indulging your love of shopping in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Happy Earth Day everyone!
