I <3 Sheffield

^ Park Hill Flats ^

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Although not brought up in Sheffield, in fact I have only lived there for 18 months, I am beginning to consider the city my ‘home’. It doesn’t have the glamour of it’s nearby neighbours Leeds and Manchester, but it does have a certain character.

Now, when you mention Sheffield and shopping in the same breath the first thing that springs to mind is Meadowhall (actually situated in Rotherham). Meadowhall is great for your high street labels (Republic, Henleys, JD Sports and River Island) but it doesn’t contain any hidden gems, any boutiques that offer unique items. Delve a little beyond the surface and here you will find those small, independent retailers…

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COW – Not an independent retailer (with stores elsewhere) but it does stock vintage items, meaning each store is different.

(West Street)

Freshmans – A small vintage shop, Freshmans remains very popular with the student crowd and is probably the reason why people say, ‘big things come in small packages’.

(Carver Street)

Fuse - These forward thinking guys have been at the forefront of Sheffield’s retail industry since 1982 and stock brands such as DC, Dickies, New Era and Eastpak.

(The Forum, Devonshire Street)

Bang Bang Vintage – With a strong ladies section, the 70s themed store has only been open since Aug. 2008. All stock is handpicked and focuses on apparel and accessories from the 50s – 80s.

(Westfield Terrace)

Exile – It’s like taking a trip down to Max Yasgur’s farm. Exile has an organic vibe and a Tibetan influence, stocking hemp tees, jewellery and designs from labels such as Urban Buddhist, Komodo, Pussycat and Fia Fia.

(The Forum, Devonshire Street)

Seasons – Five-years old and operating out of Sheffield’s trendy Devonshire Quarter area, Seasons stocks a wide array of men’s and women’s fashion brands… From household names such as Ralph Lauren, Lyle & Scott and Barbour to up-and-coming brands, such as Trainerspotter. This store has a national reputation and has featured in FHM’s Top 100 Shops.

(Carver Street)

Alice Takes A Trip - A wonderful quirky boutique for the girls stocking a host of vintage items and made-to-measure prom dresses.

(The Forum, Devonshire Street)

Sa-kis – Stockists of the best independent labels and finest established brands, from Liam Gallagher’s Pretty Green label through to Junk De Luxe… You’ll find it all at Sa-kis.

(Devonshire Street)

Size? – The rare and exclusive footwear specialist stocks, and sets, the hottest trends in footwear and apparel. One half of Sheffield Electro duo Shake Aletti works in-store…

(Devonshire Street)

Brands Apparel – Specialising in sports and street wear labels such as Nike and Ecko, their aim os to source the best clothing and offer it to you at the best price. Just before Christmas, I picked up a reversible Nike Windrunner in-store for a great price.

(The Forum, Devonshire Street)

ARK – Offering high-street brands in both menswear and women’s, this store stocks brands such as Superdry, Carhartt and Original Penguin.

(Devonshire Street)

Syd and Mallory – A lovely little store stocking their own label as well as other local, independent brands. There concept is to produce rare, one-offs without the hefty price tag, that you can’t find anywhere else. Their clothing is raw and far from polished, but that’s all part of their ethos.

(The Forum, Devonshire Street)

Ideology - Located in The Forum, Ideology is a special boutique voted in Esquire’s top five menswear stores. They are at the forefront of Sheffield’s boutique shopping scene, stocking a range contemporary labels. A young store that will only get better. Nice job Max and Lee.

(The Forum, Devonshire Street)

Arcade – I really love this shop and love the sweater I bought from these guys, I wear it to death. Offering unique pieces in menswear, womenswear, accessories and homeware – this is a shop you MUST pop into.

(The Forum, Devonshire Street)

Within Reason – Brought to my attention by StarSparkle, Within Reason is a boutique specialising in the little things. Accessories, knick-knacks, bits-and-and bobs, this star is perfect for the quirky shoppers amongst us. Skip this shop at your peril when out gift hunting.

(Devonshire Street)

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This list will be added to as and when necessary. It is just meant to be a rough directory to the less well-known and recognised shops in Sheffield. They are all within five minutes of each other too, so it’s a win-win situation, I’d say.

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Below is a video guide to Sheffield by hot-on-the-scene DJ and Producer Tom Bell, aka Toddla T – the Boom DJ from the Steel City.

(The video focuses on the music scene in Sheffield but is interesting no doubt)

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Safe