10th August 2011 - by Naz Daud
Guide to Inverness Shopping
Inverness, as the capital city for the highland region, provides the largest shopping
catchment in Europe with the answer to their shopping needs. This scenic city offers plenty of opportunity for
visitors and residents alike to enjoy a relaxing day in a welcoming environment and provides enough choice and
variety of shops to satisfy everybody's shopping requirements.
City Centre
The Inverness city centre is situated on the east bank of the river Ness. Inverness has many independent and well
known shops delivering everything from stylish clothes, consumer electronic, Music, Toy, hardware and book shops.
You will also find travel centres and currency exchange. The pedestrianised Inverness high street is often the
venue for farmers and European Markets where an alternative and more personal shopping experience can be enjoyed.
Inverness city centre provides a good selection of Cafes, Bars and restaurants for when a break from shopping is
required. Five minutes walk from the city centre along the river Ness you will find Bellfield Park. Alternatively
another five minutes walking through the beautiful Ness islands will take you to the Bught Park. Both parks offer
an ideal break from shops for when children need to run around and let off a bit of steam.
Eastgate Centre
The Eastgate shopping centre in Inverness opened in 1983 and now offering 60 shops and services is the choice
starting point for most eager shoppers. The Eastgate centre was extended in 2003 and now comprises of two large
stylish buildings the Eastgate Mall and the new Falcon Mall, connected by an over road bridge. The two Malls offer
parking spaces for 1350 cars. The Falcon Mall neighbours Inverness railway station which is just off Falcon square,
and Inverness Bus station is only a 5 minute walk from the shopping centre, so getting to the Eastgate centre is
made very easy.
Inside the Eastgate centre you will find a great choice for shopping. The main shops being Marks & Spencer in
the Eastgate Mall and Debenhams in the Falcon Mall. Most classic high street shop names are represented in the
Eastgate centre such as HMV, River island, Next, Boots, Game, Waterston s and many more. The Eastgate also offers
Cafes and a food court to drop your bags and take the weight off your feet for a well earned rest. The Falcon Mall
opens onto Falcon square a large open plaza which is regularly used as a staging post for local events.
Victorian Market
If you prefer your shopping environment to provide a bit more character, then take a look at the Victorian Indoor
market. Built in 1870, then after a fire rebuilt in 1890 the Victorian Market is situated between Queensgate and
Union Street and full of around 40 locally owned shops and traders. For traditional jewellery, delicious
confectionary, souvenir shops and much more the Victorian market is well worth a look in.
Retail Parks
The Inverness retail and Business Park is situated just to the east of Inverness city, accessed from the A96 just
before the Culloden turn off. This large shopping retail park has a great selection of out of town services and
shops with pet shops, D.I.Y, clothing, electronic, sports and book shops. The Inverness retail park also boasts a
seven screen Vue cinema and a couple of venues offering food and refreshments.
Inverness has two smaller retail parks one to the south of the city at Inshes and the other Telford retail park is
west of the River. Both of these parks offer a good selection of shopping opportunities ranging from clothing to
textile to household furniture shops.
Ultimately Inverness offers plenty of variety and choice of shops to ensure a great days shopping.
Source: http://uksmartguide.com
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