Retail is big business in Chester. The city's wonderful shopping environment is enjoyed by nearly all of its 8.5m visitors who come each year, as well as by the lucky locals!
Chester was recently ranked best city in England to visit and tenth most profitable in a survey of English towns and cities. It offers an impressive international commercial centre, comprising high street favourites such as Marks & Spencer and Next, specialist shops in eg Godstall Lane, Rufus Court, and St Michael's Arcade, and department stores, such as the renowned Browns of Chester.
It has unique character in its two-tiered gallery of shops called "The Rows", traditional black and white buildings have been restored and re-developed to provide easy access to Chester's main shopping streets. It also offers high quality new and refurbished retail units.
City Centre Management, works in partnership with retailers and others to boost trade, improve efficiency and raise standards.
Out of town retailing in Chester is within 1-2 miles from the City Centre making it easily accessible by public transport, and includes the Greyhound Retail Park, Chester Retail Park, Boughton Retail Park and the Caldy Valley Retail Park
Chester is also close to other major out of town retailing complexes. Cheshire Oaks, designer outlet village, based in Ellesmere Port, opened in 1995 and is continuing to expand. The Broughton Shopping Park, in Flintshire North Wales, comprises a variety of shops and restaurants.
Cheshire Oaks Designer OutletCheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village
Junction 10 M53 Ellesmere Port
Tel 0151 348 5600
Cheshire Oaks is a shop-a-holics heaven, with 140 shops, many of which sell designer label clothing offering discounts of up to 50%. And there's more than just shopping!
Our younger visitors will love our safety-approved outdoor play area.
There is free parking and we are open seven days a week.
Cheshire Oaks also has 10 great places to eat. There's two McDonalds, Garfukels, La Brioche Doree, FT5K, Villa Pizza, Singapore Sam, Spud U Like, Madisons and BB's.
Whilst you are here, why not visit the boat museum, Chester Zoo, Blue planet Aquarium, or one of the many other local attractions.
Opening Hours
Mon-Thurs. 10am - 8pm.
Friday. 10am - 6pm.
Saturday. 9am - 6pm.
Sunday. 11am - 5pm.
Directions
By Car : Junction 10 M53, One mile from the M53/M56 Junction
By Train : Ellesmere port and Chester rail stations
By Air : Manchester Airport, Liverpool Airport
Small independent retailer established for more than 20 years selling high quality designer ladies fashion. Friendly service together with knowledgeable and experienced staff will ensure that you get the right outfit from the wonderful range of European lables.
11 Grosvenor Precinct, Chester CH1 1ED
Telephone: 01244 319090
Small independent shoe retailer stocking some wonderful designs. All aspects of footwear from sandals to boots and some very beautiful evening shoes. A good range of accessories and handbags are stocked. This shop is a definite must for all budding Imelda Marcos’!
14 St Werburgh Street, Chester CH1 2DY
Telephone: 01244 345121
TessutiEstablished in 1985 Tessuti and Tessuti Woman have grown to become one of the most renowned and respected designer clothing stores in the country.
9000 square feet across three floors showcases all the labels you would hope to find.
Situated on historic Watergate Street in the heart of the city the store is open seven days a week.
14 – 21 Watergate Street, Chester CH1 2LA
Telephone: 01244 312585 (men) 01244 400055 (women)
Uri Jacobi Oriental Carpets & Rugs, ChesterTelephone: 01244 311300
Email: info@urijacobiorientalcarpets.co.uk
Web Site: www.urijacobiorientalcarpets.co.uk
We pride ourselves in being specialists in antique and contemporary carpets and rugs, offering great deals at competitive prices.
We have a superb selection of stunning hand made rugs from Persia, Turkey, Afghanistan, China, Caucasian and India.
Uri Jacobi Oriental Carpet Gallery, 55-57 Watergate Row South, Chester, CH1 2LE
(Just a one minute walk from local car parks and ample parking at Chester Race Course)
Chester MarketChester Market is one of the oldest functions of the Council, with Markets having been established in Chester since early Roman Times. The Market used to be situated on Northgate Street next to the Town Hall, where it traded for over 100 years before relocating to the current site in Princess Street in 1967.
Market History
The lively city of Chester, is steeped in history and heritage, and has been attracting shoppers with an eye for bargains over the last thousand years.
The earliest mention of Chester market was in 1139, when the first shopping charter was officially issued in 1208 and 'the men of Chester and heirs' (sorry ladies!) were granted the privilege of sole selling rights, except at the annual fairs which were fair game for all-comers.
Henry III confirmed this in 1239 and so it remained right up to until the Great Charter 1506, which granted Chester its first mayor. With a sharp eye for business, the local boys wasted no time in expanding shopping opportunities to include coal and cattle markets among other enterprises. The now famous Rows were originally named after the trading that went on. There was a Shoemakers, Cooks and Ironmongers Row - and a Pepper Alley and Fish Shambles. Then came Linen Hall, the Fruit, Root & Herb Market...you name it, Chester sold it!
The horse, cloth and cheese fairs of old were to be the natural forerunners of today's magnificent array of shops, not forgetting the bustling town centre market, which has continued for centuries, by order of king and queen.
Directions & Opening Times
Access to the Market can be gained via Princess Street, opposite the Bus Exchange or through the Forum Shopping Centre.
Open six days a week Monday to Saturday 8.00am - 5.30pm. Pick up facility available with the Loading Bay for large orders.
Parking
The Market Hall is located above the Princess Street Car Park Complex with lift access direct to the Market.
Farmers Markets encourage us to return to buying from local producers - farmers, butchers, bakers, fishmongers - not only out of nostalgia but as a way to find the best quality food and service around. The produce on sale is diverse: from fruit and vegetables, meats and dairy produce to wine, jams, chutneys, pies, herbs and even speciality rare breed meats. The produce has all been grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed on local farms.
The added incentive to shop at a Farmers' Market is quality of the service. The producers are experts of their own produce, offering information on ingredients and advise on the best way to cook and serve the produce. They can even suggest some recipes to try!
But remember, all produce is locally grown and harvested in season, so don't expect strawberries in December. You will, however, find the most flavoursome, highest quality food delivered by local producers who want you to enjoy their foods.
Chester's Farmer's or Regional Produce Market features produce from all over the North West and takes place on the 1st Wednesday in every month outside Chester Town Hall between 10am - 4.30pm.
