'Thriving' streets in oldest Birmingham neighbourhood named best in UK for independent shopping

Birmingham has secured its place as one of the UK’s top destinations for independent shopping, with two of its most character-rich streets earning national recognition in new research from American Express and GlobalData.

As shoppers look for gift ideas that feel personal rather than predictable, Gibb Street and Floodgate Street in Digbeth stand out as ideal spots to explore this winter.

Both streets landed on the newly released list of the UK’s best independent high streets, a ranking that considers the number of indie shops, overall atmosphere, and visual charm.

While cities like Brighton and Sheffield dominated the top of the list, Birmingham’s Digbeth district held its own thanks to its creative energy and growing community of small businesses.

Gibb Street has long been a hub for makers and artists. Its converted industrial buildings now house boutique studios, craft stores, pop-up markets, and design-driven gift shops. Visitors can pick up everything from handmade ceramics to limited-run prints, making it a perfect place to find presents that feel thoughtful and original.

A short walk away, Floodgate Street adds a different kind of personality. Known for its mix of indie venues, experimental food spots, and quirky entertainment spaces, the street brings together the playful and unexpected. It’s a place where you can browse, buy, and then settle in for a drink or festive bite, all in one stretch.

This year’s research also pointed to rising interest from Gen Z in vintage finds, wellness gifts, and analogue treasures like vinyl and film cameras. Digbeth taps into all of these trends, with record stores, retro clothing spots, and wellness-focused studios threaded throughout the area.

As Birmingham’s Christmas lights go up and the city’s seasonal markets draw crowds, Gibb Street and Floodgate Street offer a different kind of festive experience.

There are no chains, no carbon copies, and no rush. Instead, shoppers find creativity, craft, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes the search for the perfect gift feel more like a winter wander than a chore.

For anyone hoping to support local businesses and pick up something unique, these two Digbeth streets are set to be some of the West Midlands’ brightest highlights this holiday season.

Here is the full list of top 10 independent high streets:

1. Brighton (Trafalgar Street, Sydney Street, Kensington Gardens)
2. Sheffield (Devonshire Street, Division Street & top of Cambridge Street)
3. Manchester (Oldham Street)
4. London (Coal Drops Yard & Stable Street)
5. Birmingham (Gibb Street & Floodgate Street)
6. London (Broadway Market)
7. Edinburgh (Deanhaugh Street, Raeburn Place)
8. Liverpool (Bold Street)
9. Bristol (Gloucester Road)
10. Leeds (Central Road, New Market Street, and part of Call Lane)