Why Is The Isle Of Wight Great For Shopping?

Feb

Why Is The Isle Of Wight Great For Shopping?

When you’re planning a shopping trip with your friends, it is likely that you will think of heading to London or another big city like Manchester, but many don’t realise that the Isle of Wight is actually a brilliant place for shopping. Simply get yourself a ferry ticket and book a hotel for a couple of nights and you can easily have an amazing few days on the island making the most of not just the Isle of Wight shopping centres, but everything else it has to offer too.

If you have never been to the island before and you’re intrigued to find out more about what it can offer you shopping-wise, keep reading today. Below we have looked into two of the main reasons why the Isle of Wight is great for shopping; the big shopping centres and the smaller independent stores.

Big Isle of Wight shopping centres

Here on the Isle of Wight, there are a few big shopping centres and shopping arcades that feature popular high-street chains selling a vast range of goods. You can expect to come across a number of big-name brands that you will find elsewhere in the UK and in the busier towns you will find a large concentration of shops, so you will be spoilt for choice.

When you’re specifically looking for Isle of Wight shopping centres, be sure to visit;

Newport – there is one main shopping precinct in this town and also a number of other stores dotted along the high street too.
Ryde – there is a Victorian shopping arcade in this seaside town which is full of stores you will probably recognise.
Cowes – there is a shopping arcade in this town too, but it is home to a number of smaller stores that you might not have been to before.

Smaller Isle of Wight independent stores

Many of the towns and villages here on the Isle of Wight have high streets that are full of independent boutiques and specialist stores which are locally-owned. No matter whether you’re looking for quirky homeware items, hand-made clothing or one of a kind gifts, there will be a store on the island that has a number of incredible products for you to splurge on.

You will also notice when wandering the high streets on the Isle of Wight that there are a number of vintage, antique and collectable stores too, and if this is your type of thing, then the island is a must-visit. Not to mention there are regular markets in some of the villages too and if you’re a foodie, then can get your hands on some amazing homegrown local produce as well.

If you’re interested in the more unique shops on the island, make sure that you visit some of the following towns and villages;

In addition to going to these places, it is still worthwhile visiting the towns mentioned above that are better known for big Isle of Wight shopping centres too if you’re wanting to find some unusual stores. If you turn off the main shopping streets, especially in Newport, there are a few small interesting alleyways that are home to some incredible specialist stores.

Visiting the Isle of Wight for a shopping trip

Whilst it might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re planning a shopping trip, the Isle of Wight really can be a brilliant place to visit, especially if you enjoy exploring independent boutique stores. You can easily have a brilliant weekend on the island with your friends and of course, there is plenty to do aside from shopping too, so you will never be bored, even after store closing hours.

Whatever your reason may be for visiting the Isle of Wight, be sure to check out the rest of our website before you come. We can tell you everything you need to know about the best things to do and places to see on the island, so you can ensure that you don’t miss out on anything that the Isle of Wight has to offer. With a number of helpful visitor guides, blogs and information, our site is definitely worthwhile browsing though.