Shopping in Chichester has always been a favourite pastime. There are, of course, all the beautiful and historic buildings and lots of big brand shops like John Lewis, Jack Wills, Monsoon, White Stuff, Phase Eight, Next, H&M, and more. But if you know us at Sussex Exclusive, you’ll know we like the small, local independents as well as the more unusual and interesting types of shops.
So, if you’re looking for original Chichester shops, retro and vintage finds, shops that are conscious of our environment or just dance to their own tune, here our favourite finds:
Conscious shopping
Refilled Chichester is on North Street and they describe themselves as selling wholefoods, fresh produce, unpackaged foods, and cleaning products. It is a warm and welcoming store with lots of wonderful produce to fill your basket. They also sell online and if you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint and shop more responsibly, these guys will help make that a bit easier. I could have lingered here a long time.
Living and giving
Next door to Refilled is Winter’s Moon, with the wonderful strapline of “beautiful things for living and giving”. It’s a lovely shop that sells a delectable mixture of homewares, vintage items, and gifts with a strong sense of ethics and social responsibility.
Bunch of flowers
Bunch Florist is right in the heart of Chichester by Market Cross at the start of West Street. It does what it says on the tin, sells flowers, and is just too beautiful to walk past!
Curios and antiques
At the west end of West Street just where it meets the perimeter wall, is Peter Hancock, a mecca for lovers of flea markets, brocantes, bric a brac and curiosity shops. If a good old rummage and some unusual and fab finds are what you are after, this is the place for you. Dive in and lose yourself for a while.
Chocolate galore
Did you know that Montezuma’s is a Sussex brand? Founded in Brighton in 2000, the Chichester store was their second store and their chocolate is in fact made nearby. They also support Chichester-based charity, Children on the Edge as well as selling mouthwatering, finger-licking chocolates!
Draper’s Yard
Drift down East Street until you come to Eastgate Square and then on to The Hornet where you’ll find Draper’s Yard. This little courtyard is home to all sorts of delights including Paulo’s coffee shop, home to his “preserves and conserves” and locally produced food and gift products. Here you’ll also find some beautiful hallmarked silver jewellery and yes, I did succumb to a new and very beautiful turquoise ring!
A stitch in time
One for the crafters and sewers amongst you, Clothkits was originally a Sussex business that was bought out by Freemans. It is now back in the hands of Sussex-born and educated entrepreneur Kay Mawer and is awash with cottons, wools, and fabrics. You’ll find it just next to Draper’s Yard.
Vintage and retro
Opposite Draper’s Yard with a very colourful front-of-house display is the magnificent Beyond the Fringe. It’s a cornucopia of vintage clothing and costume jewellery.
Chichester’s self-acclaimed “Queer Boutique”
Just next to Beyond the Fringe is the Almshouse Arcade which is quite simply a treasure trove of quirky boutiques. Hat shops, old records, you name it but I was drawn to Roxy’s Box which describes itself as Chichester’s Queer Boutique specialising in creations by local artists and alternative fashion. A truly spectacular array of 70s and 80s retro and fabulously colourful “stuff” awaits. Here is everything you didn’t know you needed and now can’t live without!
Heritage shopping in Chichester
And finally, on your way out of town (heading east on St Pancras / the A286), is Heritage Antiques. You can’t miss it and you should definitely stop for a browse. It describes itself as a “modern-day Aladdin’s cave” and it really is, with an eclectic mix of old and new furniture, garden ornaments, gifts, and oddities. For unique and unusual home decor, this place is fantastic.
Once you’ve enjoyed a day shopping in Chichester, you may also be interested in:
