Our cities and market towns are great for shopping expeditions. Independent shops compliment the well-known British stores offering a wide choice of souvenirs, gifts, must haves or treats. So, if your clients are looking for Christmas gifts with a Welsh twist or shopping ideas throughout the year, we have highlighted some of the cities and market towns throughout Wales together with a selection of shops to visit.
Cardiff
Cardiff is a shoppers' paradise. Designer brands, major chains, an indoor market and dozens of independent shops and boutiques in the city’s network of Victorian and Edwardian arcades have helped Cardiff build a reputation as one of the UK’s top shopping destinations. Cardiff Christmas Market lights up the city every year during November and December. For all you need to know about shopping in Cardiff, go to Visit Cardiff.
Go to Cardiff Council's website for more information about coach parking in Cardiff city centre. Coach parking and drop-off point maps for Cardiff and Cardiff Bay are also available at Visit Cardiff.
Newport
Newport has plenty of well-known chains and local shops including Friars Walk, a multi-million pound shopping centre with shops, restaurants, entertainment and onsite parking. Newport Market has undergone a major refurbishment whilst still retaining its Victorian features. The indoor market has been a central hub for traders and shoppers since 1854. It is now home to unique, diverse and independent stalls selling a wide range of goods. The Food Court has options for every palate. It is advisable to book a table for large parties, although walk-ins are accepted on a daily basis where available. For more places, see Shopping in Newport. The historic town of Caerleon, which is home to the Roman Fortress Baths, Roman Legion Museum and an amphitheatre is located approximately 15 minutes' drive from Newport and has a selection of small gift shops in the Ffwrwm Arts and Crafts Centre on High Street.
St Asaph
On March 14th 2012, St. Asaph was awarded City status as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Its 13th century cathedral is the smallest ancient cathedral in Great Britain. The main shopping hub is The Tweedmill Shopping Outlet on the outskirts of the city. There is a designated free coach park and rest room for drivers who receive a complimentary meal voucher.
A short drive from St Asaph is Abakhan Fabrics, Hobby & Home in Mostyn - 11.6 miles (18.7 km). Renowned as an Aladdin’s Cave for Crafters, they have a huge complex of buildings full of fabrics, knitting yarns and crafts alongside a large café and gift shop serving breakfast, lunch and sweet treats.
Coach party benefits including discounts, free parking, vouchers for the organiser and a complimentary meal for the driver are available.
St Davids
The tiny ‘city’ in Pembrokeshire is more like a special small village. It has many little art shops, galleries and tea rooms. And of course, there's St Davids Cathedral and St Davids Bishops Palace. Galleries include Goat Street Gallery, Oriel Albion Gallery, Oriel-y-Felin Gallery and Oriel y Parc. For Welsh produce, visit St Davids Food & Wine, and Chapel Chocolates is a family run business selling handmade Welsh chocolates. Find unique gifts at The Peepal Tree, a fairtrade shop displaying handmade and artisan crafts from Asia. Basalt and Dune is run by an artist and print/graphic designer mother and daughter. The store is full of unique collection of gifts, homewares and lifestyle accessories that compliment coastal, country and city lifestyles from artists and makers in Wales and the Marches. Pebbles Yard Gallery is an espresso bar with ambient music which exhibits art, jewellery, pottery and the espresso bar has excellent coffee, soups homemade on the premises, made-to-order sandwiches using locally baked bread, and homemade cakes. Whitesands Beach House has everything you need for a day at the beach – wetsuits, body boards, beach shelters, chairs and more.
Swansea
Swansea has lots of big high street names as well as independent boutiques, specialist shops and traditional arcades. Quadrant Shopping Centre is worth a visit and Swansea’s indoor market is the biggest in Wales. It is home to over 100 stalls. Try a range of Welsh delicacies including cockles from the tidal Penclawdd Sands and laverbread, an edible seaweed. Fresh fish here is especially good, as are locally reared lamb and beef, Gower vegetables and local cheeses. Follow the aroma in the market to sample freshly baked Welsh cakes. Go to Visit Swansea Bay for more information.
Wrexham
Wrexham gained city status in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee but it has always been known as a market town. There are two indoor markets, including the19th century Butchers Market on the High Street selling clothes and food produce as well as an outdoor market every Monday. Ty Pawb Market is located in the £4.5 million arts centre which features local businesses. Many well-known high street brands are located at the Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre. Nearby is The Plassey Retail Village with units selling crafts and gifts that showcase many local organisations.
Wrexham achieved international fame as the Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham AFC. Wrexham County Borough Museum has a range of collections and displays telling the stories of local communities, and will be home to the new Football Museum in 2026. There is also a Courtyard café for refreshments. The tower at St Giles Parish Church has been named one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, and Elihu Yale is buried here - Yale University was named in his honour. Nearby are the National Trust properties of Chirk Castle and Gardens and Erddig.
Bala
Bala is an historic market town in the Snowdonia National Park. It is surrounded by the rural region of Penllyn which has a strong and vibrant Welsh identity and culture. Stori stocks the widest selection of Welsh beers and wine in North Wales. Specially selected wines, distinctive spirits and liqueurs, and fresh cask ales and beer to drink in or take home by the growler or flagon. Siop Ria is a small independently run gift shop who specialise in handmade cards, jewellery and personalised gifts from Wales. A Welsh football fans paradise, Spirit of 58 is an independent merchandise and clothing label specialising in Welsh football. Your clients can indulge their artistic side at Capel Clai workshop and studio by Painting and spinning their own pottery. It also specialises in bespoke art. For all things ‘Welsh’, Awen Meirion stocks a range of cards, books, clothing, and Welsh music merchandise and gifts. T.J. Roberts ai Fab Butchers or known locally as Siop Jo is an award winning butchers supplying high quality meats sourced direct from local farms.
Caernarfon
Caernarfon is home to the famous Castell Caernarfon (Caernarfon Castle) and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It commands the lion’s share of attention, but the town’s narrow streets and stylishly redeveloped waterfront is full of wonderful independent shops and craft studios. The cobbled historic Palas Street is lined with boutique and independent retailers. Local photographer Geraint Tomos exhibits his spectacular imagery of Snowdonia, Anglesey and the Llyn Penisnula at Panorama. Galwch Acw, on Bangor Street, combines work and training opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. The handmade crafts are themed around sustainable living. For that unique gift, Siop Manon specialises in ‘vintage’ material, and nearby Siop Iard combines as a walk in workshop for Ann Catrin, Angela Evans and Elin Mair who specialise in local handcrafted jewellery of distinction. Lotti & Wren is a fun independent gift and homeware shop, specialising in products designed locally. With spectacular views of the castle Gray-Thomas gift shop and Café specialise in local Welsh crafted gifts. Both Na-Nog and Palas Print specialise in Welsh language products, literature and music. Life: Full Colour is an art gallery showcasing local and international artists and also has a shop selling limited edition prints, sculptures, ceramics, handmade stationery, glass art, wooden homewares and more. A former harbour office and derelict buildings were regenerated to create Cei Llechi (Slate Quarry) which has provided 19 workspaces for local craft and artisan manufacturers as well as a restaurant.
Conwy
Conwy is perhaps best known for its 13th century castle which has UNESCO World Heritage Site status, along with its town walls. But there are a wide variety of shops to visit and perfect when looking for gifts with a difference. For foodies, Baravellis is an artisan chocolate maker; Edwards of Conwy is an award winning butcher that also has a selection of foodie gifts; The Cheese Room specialises in cheeses and gifts; Isaac Simeon Artisan Patisserie for cakes and pastries with a European twist; Vinomondo has previously been awarded Welsh independent off licence award and is a great place to buy, wines, beers and gins; Dylan’s General Stores sell locally sourced produce and gifts and as well as delicious sweet and savoury products baked on their own premises. Gifts for the home include Accents, Potters Gallery that is run by a cooperative of North Wales based potters; Luther & Co modern and vintage gifts, homewares and fashion and The Secret Garden. Siop Wyn sells unique gifts with a Welsh twist along with her own jewellery. Conwy Jewellers also includes Welsh jewellery ‘Clogau’. For a touch of nostalgia Yesteryears is a toyshop designed to take your clients back to their childhood! The Knight Shop is perfect for visitors looking for Knight related gifts in the shadow of Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle). Visit website for more on shopping in Conwy.
Corwen
Corwen is a great place for vintage shopping and hand-made Welsh crafts and gifts. Corwen Manor is a craft centre with a workshop making candles. There’s Welsh gifts including lovespoons and other hand-made products from North Wales, a wool shop and of course a huge range of novelty candles made in Wales. Light snacks and drinks are available in their café. Award winning Rhug Estate Farm Shop prides itself on selling organic, welsh and local produce including meat, cheese and hampers. It also has a bistro and takeaway. Just a 5-10 minute drive from Corwen is Glassblobbery. They have all sorts of handmade glass sculptures including animals, flowers, dragons and sea creatures. Other gift ideas include jewellery and ceramics by other artists and craftsmen. You can watch the glass sculptures being made at the workshop by appointment. There is also a café next door and ample parking facilities for coaches.
Denbigh
Denbigh, a medieval town, is a hidden gem and has a hub of independent shops and cafes. Baroque has three floors of unique gifts, cards, home interiors, ladies fashion, jewellery and more to discover. Snow in Summer is a treasure trove of vintage goods, local crafts and gifts and there’s The Carriageworks art gallery selling local arts and crafts, with therapeutic workshops and a coffee shop. Hidden away behind the main shopping street lies the Secret Garden. As well as a small garden centre it sells unique gifts, has a café and an ice cream parlour with great views of the Clwydian Range. A monthly market is held on the last Friday of every month at the Market Hall in Crown Square. Visit website for more on shopping in Denbigh.
Llangollen
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site stretches for 11 spectacular miles from Shropshire to the Horseshoe Falls, taking in Llangollen Wharf along the way. Llangollen is home to the annual Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, a World Heritage Site. It is a small town but has some interesting shops. Books Llangollen is a grotto of second hand books and has an internet café. There is a number of independent food stores such as Llangollen Oggie Shop, Porter's Delicatessen and Zingiber Wholefoods. The Tourist Information Centre sell local crafts and has an art gallery. A small general market takes place every Tuesday in Market Street car park. On Friday mornings between March and December there is a country market with local produce including cakes, honey and jams and crafts. Visit the website for more shopping in Llangollen.
Llanrwst
Llanrwst is well known for its traditional Welsh tea room, Tu Hwnt i’r Bont. It is possibly the most photographed building in North Wales especially during the autumn when the ivy turns into a display of red, yellow and orange. Blas ar Fwyd is the place to stock up on delicious deli produce, take-away treat hampers and wine from around the world. Bys a Bawd is an independent book shop selling Welsh books, English books about or from Wales, cards and Welsh music DVDs. For antiques there is Snowdonia Antiques. Unique gifts can be found at Siop Sioned. OakOwlFox offer a range of products for the home and beyond with a particular North Wales flavour and your clients will find stunning landscape photography at Artistik Gallery.
Mold
Mold has over a hundred independent shops and a good selection of big high street names. It’s a fair-trade town with many shops and cafes selling Fairtrade products. Enjoy the hustle and bustle at Mold Market - the biggest and best market town in North Wales. Street markets are held every Wednesday and Saturday with over 70 stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, meat, crockery, clothes and plants. There’s also an indoor market open Monday to Saturday and a farmers market every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. A great opportunity to taste local food and drink before you buy. In September the annual Mold Food Festival takes place, with stalls and exhibitions.
Porthmadog
A busy harbour town with a good range of shops and attractions, including nearby Portmeirion. Siop Fawr Portmeirion is located on the High Street. The shop, formerly Kerfoots, is thought to be the oldest department store in North Wales and has been at the heart of the High Street in Porthmadog since 1874. The new flagship shop for Portmeirion features homewares from a range of local and national brands such as Melin Tregwynt. Portmeirion pottery lines including the new Botanic Garden and Atrium ranges are also available. Siop y Bragdy Mŵs Piws / The Brewery Shop is the award winning Purple Moose Brewery, a '40-Barrel' micro-brewery specialising in ale’s. Rob Piercy Gallery is a small commercial gallery showcasing the work of Rob Piercy, a local artist and mountaineer who specialises in watercolours of north Wales, particularly Snowdonia and Portmeirion. Cob Records is Wales' most famous independent record shop. Independent specialists in new and second hand CDs, LPs & DVDs. For unique handmade pottery and homeware there is the wonderful Glosters.
Pwllheli
Llŷn’s ‘capital’ fills many roles - seaside resort with fine beach, busy market town with art galleries and very popular sailing and watersports centre with one of the best modern marinas in the UK. Wednesday is the day of Pwllheli weekly market. Pwllheli has been holding a weekly market on Y Maes since the 14th century. Today, it is home to the largest outdoor market in North Wales. Gwin Llŷn Wines is an ‘Award Winning’ independent Wine, Spirits and Beer retailer. Stockist of locally produced wine, spirits and beers, ales & ciders. An art lover’s utopia, Pwllheli is home to a number of art and craft galleries. Oriel y Môr Tonnau provides a broad range of contemporary work by local and national renowned artists. Oriel Pwlldefaid specialises in Welsh artworks, crafts and gifts. Spar – Y Maes, is an award winning independently run grocery and convenience store located on the Maes, Pwllheli. Specialist in providing quality fresh food, sourced locally from local producers.
Ruthin
Ruthin’s historic market town has coach friendly status and offers a variety of stores and unique shops from beauty and fragrance, fashion, soft furnishings to Welsh books and gifts. For arts and crafts, Ruthin Craft Centre is a nationally recognised centre for the applied art and where coaches should park when bringing visitors to the town. Cefyn Burgess is an international textile artist and has his own unit within the craft centre. The centre also has three galleries, six artist studios, retail gallery, education and residency workshop and café with courtyard terrace. The unique Wayfarer Wool shop is very quirky. It’s a tiny shop in a black and white timber framed building, partly dated from the 1500s, and packed with hand made items. Just two miles from Ruthin you’ll find Sugar Plum Tearoom.
Aberaeron
Aberaeron is a lovely harbour town with colourful Georgian houses. For Welsh gifts visit Seld. Find fashion accessories at Glamôr; ladies clothes, shoes, accessories and gifts at Style by Joy, as well as colour and style consultations. Naturally Scrumptious is a popular deli and café bar offering a wide range of local, regional and international deli products. Stop at The Hive for their famous honey ice cream. Not far from Aberaeron, in Cross Inn, is Welsh Vernacular Antiques, currently open by appointment.
Aberystwyth
You’ll find high street stores and a good selection of independent shops and original boutiques in this university town. For antiques, visit The Furniture Cave which also sells paintings by local artists and Welsh pottery. Coastal Antiques is ranged over two floors of an 18th century coaching inn and a courtyard garden selling local antiques, retro items including vinyl, vintage clothing and gardenalia. Abertique is almost next door for more antiques and collectables. Aberystwyth Arts Centre is home to the University’s collection of ceramics and also sell ceramics. The International Ceramics Festival is held here every two years. Siop Ffoto, (featured in the crime drama ‘Hinterland’), sell local photos on canvas and Oriel Y Bont sell works for well known locally based artists. For women's clothing there are a number of independent shops - Polly Aberystwyth, Closet and Lily’s boutique and for men there is Cactws and Clive Continental Menswear. Her Dandy Wolf sell vintage style clothing, cards and house accessories. Next door is Aberdashery, which is full of interesting and colourful fabrics to create your own unique style. Driftwood Designs sell cards, fine art print, poster prints and Welsh gifts. For more Welsh gifts browse Siop Inc, Siop y Pethe, Broc Môr, and the shop at the National Library of Wales. If you’re looking for books then Ystwyth Books has over 80,000 and Cerdd Ystwyth Music is the hub for the region’s musical community. A number of popular food places include Ultracomida Delicatessen, Medina, Maeth y Meysydd, Iwtopia vegan deli and Jonah’s Fish Market.
Brecon
Brecon has a good selection of independent retailers as well as high street stores. Find a special gift at Beacons Crafts selling quirky china sculptures and locally handmade things. Clarks Toys is a popular and historic shop and pick up some top class country and formal clothing at Aiden Sweeney. The country and lifestyle department store Nicholls sells gifts, clothes and renowned brands. Ardent Gallery has an excellent selection of artists including pieces from nationally recognised artist Timmy Mallett to local artists such as Allan Morgan. Gate Gallery & Glassworks located on the riverside in a 17th century building displays a gallery of glasswork, ceramic, silver, enamel and acrylic art. Opening times should be checked before visiting.
Cardigan
You’ll find high street shops and a number of good independent shops in Cardigan. Bar 45 is the town's first gin bar which also offers a gin blending experience and the latest bottles from its distillery, In the Welsh Wind. Other shops include Dewi James butchers; Crwst deli, bakery and cafe; Cardigan Bay Brownies; Awen Teifi, a Welsh books and gift shop; Trizaro for gifts and jewellery and Mundos which has a good range of locally relevant gifts and home décor. There is also U Melt Me for locally made crafts, fragrances and gifts; Truly Scruptious, a dessert shop; and Bara Menyn Bakehouse. A visit to Cardigan Castle is a must and it has a small shop. The Guildhall Cardigan and Cardigan Guildhall Market are also worth a visit. There are a number of galleries too at The Corn Exchange Cardigan in the Guildhall, which hosts regular exhibitions by Ceredigion Craft Makers; Canfas; Stiwdio 3, a cafe with Make it in Wales craft workshops and Custom House Shop and Gallery. Visit the website for more on shopping in Cardigan.
Crickhowell
With the River Usk, Black Mountains, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park and Crickhowell Castle close by, the town is a picturesque stop for shopping. The town has a number of independent shops, restaurants and pubs. Natural Weigh is a plastic free, organic, additive-free health food shop. Both Nicholls and Webbs are department stores selling a range of products, and visit Book-ish for a good book as well as coffee and cake in their café. Visit website for more information on shopping in Crickhowell.
Dolgellau
This historic town was once the meeting place for Owain Glyndŵr and the gaols have been converted into shops and coffee houses. The character and architecture of the town makes this an unique market town. You won’t find many chain stores in Dolgellau but there is a good selection of independent shops from local butchers and bakers to maps and outdoor gear. There’s Waterloo - Studio one and Medi for gifts. You’ll find Welsh souvenirs, Clogau Gold and exclusive Carrie Elspeth “Made in Wales” jewellery in Waterloo. Siop Medi is a quirky design-led shop offering unique top end products from Wales, Scandinavia and beyond. It’s owner, Nia Medi, is an actress, novelist and ex-designer on makeover programme, Real Rooms for Pebble Mill. Tŷ Siamas, the National Centre for Welsh Folk Music has a music and gift shop, selling CD’s, musical instruments, gifts and more. It also houses a multi-media musical exhibition, café and bar and holds live music concerts in the auditorium.
Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-Wye is world famous for its annual Hay Festival of Literature and also for its books - from which it derived its name 'The Town of Books'. There are millions of them, and they are everywhere. Hay Castle is a book shop, the cinema's a book shop, the fire station's a book shop, the alleyways are book shops. It’s not just books that can be picked up here though. Hay Deli has a fine selection of delicatessen and whole foods bought locally. The End specialises in French linen, quirky one off antiques and interesting goods. Number Two sell a good selection of high quality clothes and find unique hand made jewellery at Satori. Hay houses a varied selection of small shops - The Hay Makers with their quality crafts; Jones Home Hardware for that special piece of kitchenalia or exploring the Hay Antique Market.
Lampeter and Tregaron
Lampeter is the place to visit for Welsh quilts and blankets. You will find The Welsh Quilt Centre in the town centre. Just a 10 minute drive from Lampeter is the Jen Jones Welsh Quilts and Blankets shop in Llanybydder. Heading towards Tregaron and approximately 15 minutes drive from Lampeter is Jane Beck Welsh Blankets (currently taking online orders). It’s also worth visiting Tregaron, well-known for the Rhiannon Welsh Gold Centre - a shop, gallery and jewellery workshop.
Llandysul
You’ll find Teifi Harps here (currently closed). It’s not a shop but a workshop with a show-room and they can take pre-arranged visits. Nyth y Robin is a family run, eclectic range of antiques, vintage, retro and collectibles as well as handmade products and gifts. Allt yr Odyn Antiques is located across the road to Yr Hen Gapel, Llwynrhydowen, between Lampeter and Llandysul which was restored by Capeli Cymru – the Welsh Religious Buildings Trust.
Machynlleth
A popular market town known for its quirky ecofriendly edge. Located in the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, it includes plenty of vintage and alternative lifestyle shops, galleries featuring local artists and craftspeople, hub of independent cafes, independent bookstores and an award-winning fish and chips shop. Famous for holding a market every Wednesday, an annual comedy festival each year and for having a clock in the middle of the town as a prominent landmark. Some of the popular shops to visit include RED shoes which is a handcrafted shoes shop, Deco shop a homeware store, Elin Angharad a leather crafter creating quality leather accessories, Tymhorau Dyfi a social enterprise of independent businesses coming together to sell homeware, foods, flower and plants. For the foodies the sister venue to the Michelin star restaurant Ynys Hir, Gwen offers a 10 course tasting menu and drop-in wine bar or try the range of independent café’s available which includes a specific vegetarian and vegan menu at Ty Medi. For a bit of history Owain Glyndwr Centre & Parliament House is full of history dating back to 1404 where Owain Glyndwr was crowned the Prince of Wales, it now stands as a community and heritage centre with a café, shop and community events and businesses. Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) for contemporary Welsh and international arts and culture.
Abergavenny
Abergavenny is home to the famous annual Food Festival where visitors can purchase and taste local produce. Here you’ll find department store Nicholls and a great selection of local shops. There’s two award winning butchers, Rawlings and Neil Powell. Chesters Wine Merchants sell local food, beers, wine and spirit and you will find breads and pastries, a selection of cakes, handmade soft-serve ice cream and coffee served at The Angel Bakery. Find unusual gifts at That's Lovely That. The general market every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday is held in the Abergavenny Market Hall and is well known as one of the major markets in Wales. Art and Craft Fairs, Farmers Markets, Flea Markets and Antique Fairs are also held here. Visit website for more information on shopping in Abergavenny.
Chepstow
This historic border town is home to the prestigious Coral Welsh Grand National held at Chepstow Racecourse, where you will find flea markets on Wednesday and Sunday mornings. Walk down Moor Street at the top end of town and you will find Scandia, an independent ladies shoes and accessories shop, along with Hannah’s Music - an Aladdin’s Cave for musicians – as well as the award-winning Queen’s Head micropub. Don’t miss Tell me Wine which sells a wide range of sustainably produced wine, cider, vinegar and oils, and fifth generation Deacon’s Florist. The pretty cobbled area of St Mary’s Street and Arcade has a number of small independents to browse including St Mary’s Street Collectables, Foxglove Antiques, Country Clutter Gift Shop, Chepstow Book Shop, Badman Jewellers and the Silk Road Bazaar. Café highlights include Cwtch Café, Tiffin Vintage Tea & Coffee House and the Orange Crate for a healthy smoothie or juice. Chepstow also has a town centre market on Sundays.
Cowbridge
Cowbridge has lots of trendy shops offering designer labels and is referred to as a department store on one street. It has more independent boutiques per square mile than any other town in South Wales. It was awarded Wales' 'Rising Star High Street' by the Great British High Street in 2018. Elephant and Bun Deli sells fresh Welsh produce which varies on the change of the season as well as gifts. At Happy Days Vintage Homestore you will find vintage, retro and antique delights for your home and garden. Stwff-Stuff also sells homewares and gifts. Awesome Wales provides a huge range or zero waste goodies as well and an eat in café upstairs. West Hampton and No.39 both offer a wonderful range of interior design furnishings as well and unique items that make the perfect gift. The Bay Tree has a range of seasonal plants and flowers. CocoPlum offers luxury boutique clothing. And Cowbridge has a wonderful variety of restaurants and café options to choose from, including Penny Farthing Restaurant, The Duke of Wellington and The Bear Hotel. Whilst in town, it is worth visiting Cowbridge Physic Garden, a "small oasis of calm and tranquillity" situated just behind the high street. Just on the outskirts of town on the A48, Forage Farm Shop and Kitchen offers a great selection of local food which are also served in their café. See Cowbridge Guide for more inspiration.
Monmouth
Monmouth has a good selection of lovely independent shops including delights such as MonTeas, selling a wide range of fine teas, teapots and accessories; Salt & Pepper with over four shops selling cookware, toys, clothing, gifts, and a café; The Marches Delicatessen where you will find a wide range of local artisan produce; Neil Powell, a butcher's shop and Fingal Rock which sells an eclectic selection of wines from around the world. As Wales’ first ‘Bee Town’ the Monmouth based Charity – Bee’s for Development also has a charming gift shop. At the top end of the town you’ll find some delightful courtyards and a pedestrian row of quality Independents, bookshops, a green-grocer, butcher, cafés, jewellers and florists such as Atelier Gilmar a jewellery design studio making and selling innovative contemporary jewellery collections.
Carmarthen
Carmarthen is the oldest town in Wales and offers a mix of traditional and new with arts and crafts, some high-street stores and independent shops. The shopping centre Merlin's Walk has over 20 shops with names such as Argos, Game and TK Maxx. St. Catherine’s Walk shopping centre has a number of shops including Next, Lush and New Look as well as restaurants and a cinema. The vibrant pub Cwrw (beer in Welsh) can be found on King Street which offers a large selection of craft beers from local breweries and all over the world. It hosts comedy nights, tastings, poetry readings and live music. Independent record store Tangled Parrot can be found on the upper floor. Independent shops, cafes and art galleries are found on the nearby streets., Opposite is the Oriel Bevan Jones gallery. The indoor market built with Welsh Pennant stone and slate, has a good mix of traders selling traditional and contemporary goods and handicrafts. On Wednesdays and Saturdays there is also the outdoor market and on the Farmer's Market takes place on the 1st Friday of the month.
Haverfordwest
You’ll find a small variety of national stores in Haverfordwest town centre with further stores in Withybush Retail Park. Smaller local traders include the Welsh Bakery; Bosanquet Jewellery gallery; The Glan-yr-Afon/Riverside Gallery; the independent Victoria Bookshop; The Sheep Shop (Welsh gifts); The VC Gallery, who work with service veterans and the wider community on a variety of art projects; Bonkers Fashions of Haverfordwest and The Creative Café Gallery & Crafts which showcases local makers & artists and Fairtrade women makers from around the world. Vincent Davies, an independent department store can be found just outside town on the road to Fishguard. Haverfordwest Farmers Market on Castle Square takes place every Friday, selling local produce - meat, vegetables, cheese and dairy, plants, bread. It’s a great place to meet and chat with the producers. There are a range of branded retail outlets at Riverside Shopping Centre.
Llandeilo
Llandeilo is a shopping hot spot, with lots of stylish galleries and boutiques. It has quaint little shops such as Toast which sells clothes, shoes, accessories and homewares. Scorpio offer three floors of gifts and furnishings, including goods from the Welsh fabric specialist Melin Tregwynt. For quirky gifts, pop into Cuckoo's Nest, and if shopping for menswear, visit Chess. Heavenly Chocolate Emporium is famous for its handmade chocolates and ice creams made from local organic milk and cream. Flavours range from the classics to peanut butter and Mississippi Mud Pie. And visit Café Braz for fresh homemade food. For art lovers, visit Oriel Mimosa. Essentials for little ones can be found at Eve's Toy Shop and for hand crafted jewellery, visit Barr & Co. Peppercorn sell a great selection of cookery paraphernalia from their grade II listed building, a former ironmongers. In keeping with the theme, the shop stocks a range of kitchen wear and gadgets. Its interior has many of the original fittings and fixtures dating back to the 18th century. Llandeilo Country Market happens every Friday morning in Capel Newydd vestry. More on shopping in Llandeilo.
Narberth
Narberth's high street was shortlisted in the Great British High Street Awards in 2019 and is full of independent shops. Narberth Pottery offers a range of ceramics and the potters can be seen most days creating their wares. For local and temporary art, Oriel Q Gallery opens from Wednesday to Saturday. They often host exhibitions, workshops and talks. Sara Lloyd-Morris Jewellery can be found at Sara and Squidge’s Place. She makes contemporary jewellery and also runs jewellery making classes. For clothes, gifts, homewares and jewellery, visit No 47, Jago, Six the High Street, and The Golden Sheaf Gallery. Vintage, antique and artisan collections can be found at Narberth Antiques and Interiors, The Malthouse, and Bazaar Home and Garden. Food lovers will want to shop at Wise Buys, Ultracomida Deli and zero waste Happy Planet Green Store. There are also plenty of eateries, including Plum Vanilla Café, and The Malthouse Café. For two days in September, the town celebrates the best of Welsh food, drink and entertainment at Narberth Food Festival.
Visit Wales has a web page which lists some of the best markets in Wales and when they operate.
