Christchurch is where I go to shop most often. Though I love the shops in Lymington, I live between Christchurch and New Milton in Highcliffe, and luckily my two local towns have lots to offer. Particularly the former, in my opinion.
The real strength of Christchurch as a retail destination lies in the fact that it has a limited number of the usual high street stores. So while you can find branches of Boots, Mountain Warehouse, Poundland, Robert Dyas, The Works, and a few more, the town also has more than its fair share of independent outlets.
Like Lymington, Christchurch is also – on average – an affluent area. This means you can shop for food at the likes of M&S Food and Waitrose. Though you can also drop into Iceland when you want a bargain or big brand dinner (think Cathedral City, Chiquita, Greggs, Harry Ramsden’s, TGI Fridays, and so on).
Relatively wealthy locals also make for good charity shop finds. From art supplies and gifts to cosmetics, clothing and accessories, outdoor gear and much more, this is the complete guide to shops in Christchurch town centre.
Local’s Tip – If you’re thinking of spending the day in town, check out my guide on what to see and do in Christchurch. There’s also plenty of lovely cafes and pubs for coffee or lunch breaks!
Christchurch Shops by Category
Art
Bookends
67 High Street, BH23 1AU
Book and art shop that also sells a range of cards, gifts, and homeware for all budgets.
The Works
25-26 Saxon Square, BH23 1QB
High street chain offering a range of art supplies, craft kits, stationery, books, and games.
Books
Bookends
67 High Street, BH23 1AU
Independent bookseller offering a selection of fiction and non-fiction titles, plus art and giftware.
WHSmith
Saxon Square, BH23 1QA
Long-running chain selling newspapers, magazines, books, stationery, cards, toys, sweets, and more.
The Works
25-26 Saxon Square, BH23 1QB
Discount store for books, art and craft supplies, stationery, and toys and games.
Bridal
Priory Brides
18a Church Street, Christchurch BH23 1BW
Try on a lovely range of elegant dresses by appointment. Also stocks ex samples at lower prices.
Charity Shops
Age Concern
34 Bargates, BH23 1QL
Charity shop fundraising to help improve the quality of life of older local people.
British Heart Foundation
54 High Street, BH23 1BN
A range of second hand clothing, accessories, books, toys, homeware and more. Â
Dorset Blind Association
Saxon Square, BH23 1QA
One of a local chain of charity shops raising funds for the blind and partially sighted.
Going for Bust
70 High Street, BH23 1BN
Breast cancer charity shop selling clothing, accessories, homeware, books, and more.
Julia’s House
23 High Street, BH23 1AB
Charity shop for local children’s hospice organisation offering care for sick kids and their families.
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care
44 High Street, BH23 1AY
The only charity shop in Christchurch town centre selling a good range of furniture as well as the usual thrift store finds.
Mind
21 High Street, BH23 1AJ
Large shop selling the usual selection of clothing, shoes, accessories, homeware, books, and more.
PDSA
62 High Street, BH23 1BN
Charity shop from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals offering books, music, DVDs, homeware, and bric-a-brac as well as clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories.
Prama
59 High Street, BH23 1AS
Sells books, homeware, bric-a-brac, clothes and accessories, and music and DVDs to support older people and their carers.
Scope
21C Saxon Square, BH23 1QA
Disability charity shop stocking used clothing and accessories; bric-a-brac, toys and homeware; books, CDs and DVDs; plus some new items including cards.
Chemists
Boots
23 Saxon Square, BH23 1QB
Veteran of the British high street selling cosmetics, toiletries, and medicines, plus an in-store pharmacy.
Superdrug
50 High Street, BH23 1AS
A good range of makeup, plus other cosmetics, toiletries, medicines and accessories.
Clothing
Alex & Us
3A Church Street, BH23 1BW
Boutique selling casual and smart ladies wear with an Italian influence.
Eden Boutique
56 High Street, BH23 1BN
A lovely range of clothing, footwear and accessories on two floors, including sustainable, ethical and alternative fashion.
Jaylo’s Boutique
4 Church Street, BH23 1BW
Also offers a couple of floors of stylish ladieswear, including worldwide brands such as Betty Barclay.
Kimmeridge
18 Church Street, BH23 1BW
Independent boutique for ladies’ clothing and accessories, named after a Dorset beach.
Mountain Warehouse
66 High Street, BH23 1BN
Mountain Warehouse offers affordable outdoor clothing, plus footwear, backpacks and other equipment.
Electricals
Robert Dyas
22 Saxon Square, BH23 1QB
Popular chain for small electricals, DIY, and general home and garden products.
Southern Domestic Appliances
46 Bargates, BH23 1QL
Sells new and used electrical appliances, and also offers spare parts and a repair service.
Food and Drink
The Bay Tree
24 Saxon Square, BH23 1QB
Health foods, herbal teas, supplements and alternative therapies.
Grape Tree
Unit 4, Saxon Square, BH23 1QA
Health food shop for dried fruit, nuts, seeds and so on at fair prices.
Iceland
Saxon Square, BH23 1QN
Frozen food retailer also stocking a range of fresh and non-perishable items.
M&S Simply Food
13 High Street, BH23 1AB
Top-quality food and drinks from one of the UK’s favourite retail chains.
Poundland
47 High Street, BH23 1AS
Cheap national chain offering household goods and a variety of general and seasonal wares, as well as food and drink.
Waitrose
Fountain Roundabout, Bargates, BH23 1QD
Upscale supermarket selling groceries, household supplies, homeware, plants and flowers.
Gifts and Homeware
Bookends
67 High Street, BH23 1AU
Art, book, and giftware shop selling an appealing array of cards, gifts, and homeware items.
Card Factory
52 High Street, BH23 1BN
Budget chain offering cards, balloons, gifts, wrapping paper and bags, plus party supplies.
Castles Home Hardware
38-44 Bargates, BH23 1QW
Traditional hardware store operating for over 100 years for kitchenware, paint, ironmongery and more.
Venture
36 Bargates, BH23 1QL
Independent gift shop stocking locally made cards, gifts, artworks, jewellery and other fashion and home accessories.
Ye Olde Eight Bells
16 Church Street, BH23 1BW
Tiny, traditional gift shop also stocking haberdashery and sewing supplies.
Jewellery
Christchurch Jewellers
7 Saxon Square, BH23 1QA
Local experts with four decades’ experience offering new, used and vintage pieces.
Hamilton Jewellers
5 Pound Lane, BH23 1DF
Traditional family jeweller specialising in jewellery and watch repairs and wedding rings.
Keith Bryant
69 Bargates, BH23 1QE
Long-established local shop offering handcrafted fine jewellery at fair prices.
The Reign
1 Pound Lane, BH23 1DF
Buyer, seller and repairer of fine jewellery and watches.
Mobile Phones
O2
2 Saxon Square, BH23 1QA
Digital communications specialist for mobile phones, tablets, broadband contracts, and accessories.
SmartFixx
25 High Street, BH23 1AB
Phone, tablet and laptop repairs, plus accessories for sale.
Music
The Vault
1 Castle Street, BH23 1DP
Small shop stacked high with vinyl records, including some limited editions, plus CDs.
Pets
Superpet
65 High Street, BH23 1AS
Local pet store selling foods for dogs, cats, small animals, birds and wildlife, plus medicine and accessories like collars and pet beds.
Shoes
Mathews Shoes
19 High Street, BH23 1AB
Long established local footwear retailer specialising in comfortable, supportive brands and kids’ footwear. Offers a measuring service and sells Clark’s school shoes for children.
Sports
Davis Fishing Tackle
71-75 Bargates, BH23 1QE
Davis Tackle in Christchurch is a traditional, well established business selling fishing tackle and other supplies for coarse, game, and sea fishing.
Mountain Warehouse
66 High Street, BH23 1BN
Popular outdoor chain offering Animal and Mountain Warehouse branded clothing, accessories, and equipment.
Trove
21B Saxon Square, BH23 1QA
Formerly known as the Fantastic Things Emporium, Trove houses a number of independent retailers under one roof. It’s literally a treasure trove specialising in unique items including handmade and imported goods, plus vintage clothing, accessories, toys and homeware.
Which Christchurch Shops Will You Drop Into?
As you can see, my local town has lots to offer when it comes to retail therapy. Or simply picking up something you need.
There are charity, shoe, health food, gift, and pet shops in Christchurch – and then some. Such as Christchurch dress shops, including unique boutiques and even bridal wear.
With a choice of cafes, restaurants, pubs and supermarkets to keep you fed and watered, pretty parks, and a rich history, Christchurch has a lot more going for it, too. When will you be paying my closest town a visit?
Want to know more? Then why not find out about Christchurch attractions, shopping in Lymington, the farm shops or garden centres of the New Forest, or the local auction in Minstead?
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