Two vibrant streets in Birmingham's historic Digbeth neighbourhood have been officially recognised as among the very best in the entire United Kingdom for independent shopping.
National Acclaim for Creative Streets
New research published by American Express and GlobalData has placed Gibb Street and Floodgate Street on a prestigious national list of the UK's best independent high streets. The study, released on 24th November 2025, highlights a growing consumer trend for personal and unique gift ideas, a demand these Birmingham streets are perfectly positioned to meet.
The ranking carefully assessed the number of independent shops, the overall atmosphere, and the visual charm of locations across the country. While cities like Brighton and Sheffield claimed the very top spots, Birmingham's offering held its own, celebrated for its distinctive creative energy and thriving community of small businesses.
Exploring the Character of Digbeth
Gibb Street has long been established as a core hub for artists and makers. Its character is defined by converted industrial buildings that now host a collection of boutique studios, specialist craft stores, pop-up markets, and design-led gift shops. Shoppers can discover an array of unique items, from handmade ceramics to limited-run prints, making it an ideal destination for finding thoughtful and original presents.
Just a short walk away, Floodgate Street offers a different but equally compelling experience. This area is renowned for its dynamic mix of independent venues, experimental food spots, and quirky entertainment spaces. The street is a visual feast, famous for its cool graffiti tags and impressive large-scale murals. It’s a place where visitors can browse unique products and then settle in for a festive drink or bite to eat, all within the same creative stretch.
Tapping into Current Shopping Trends
The research also identified a significant surge in interest from Gen Z shoppers for specific items, including vintage fashion finds, wellness-oriented gifts, and analogue treasures like vinyl records and film cameras. Digbeth directly caters to all of these trends, with a variety of record stores, retro clothing outlets, and wellness-focused studios scattered throughout the district.
As Birmingham's Christmas lights illuminate the city and seasonal markets begin to draw crowds, Gibb Street and Floodgate Street present a compelling alternative festive experience. Here, there are no chain stores, no carbon-copy products, and no frantic rush. Instead, shoppers encounter genuine creativity, skilled craft, and a relaxed atmosphere that transforms the search for the perfect gift from a chore into an enjoyable winter wander.
For anyone looking to support local businesses and find something truly unique, these two streets in Digbeth are set to be among the West Midlands' most standout destinations during the upcoming holiday season.
The full list of the top 10 independent high streets in the UK is:
- Brighton (Trafalgar Street, Sydney Street, Kensington Gardens)
- Sheffield (Devonshire Street, Division Street & top of Cambridge Street)
- Manchester (Oldham Street)
- London (Coal Drops Yard & Stable Street)
- Birmingham (Gibb Street & Floodgate Street)
- London (Broadway Market)
- Edinburgh (Deanhaugh Street, Raeburn Place)
- Liverpool (Bold Street)
- Bristol (Gloucester Road)
- Leeds (Central Road, New Market Street, and part of Call Lane)
