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Leeds Corn Exchange, a Christmas Shopping Paradise

Are you looking for something a bit different for Christmas presents this year?
Are you sick of Black Friday type deals and mass manufactured gifts?
Visit Leeds Corn Exchange to find something a little bit different...

Sally

November 29, 2021

Leeds Corn Exchange, a Christmas Shopping Paradise

Would you rather spend your money with a small retailer who really appreciates your custom than a faceless corporation, shipping in tonnes of cheap items from the other side of the world?

If you answered yes, then you should check out the Corn Exchange in Leeds!

Once home to hundreds of corn traders showcasing their wares on rows and rows of wooden desks, watched over by their bosses in the accounting offices on the balcony, it’s now home to a very different kind of trader. Leeds crafters and makers have taken up residence following the recent refurbishment and once again the Corn Exchange bustles with trade and activity.

This Christmas there is more reason than ever to visit. You’ll be blown away by the Christmas decorations and the activities going on.
Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the run up to Christmas the Corn Exchange will host a beautiful Christmas market. As well as the usual permanent shops and stalls there will be food and drinks stalls and all sorts of games and masterclasses!

Shop local for life, not just for Christmas!

As well as Christmas market participants, the permanent residents will be delighted to help you choosing gifts for your loved ones, and there is such a selection.

If you have a plant lover to buy for, the team at the Plant Point can offer you some help and advice when choosing, you have to see their range of succulents to believe it!! They have the most amazing selection of plants, being inside the shop is like being in a jungle, it’s incredible. Giant Kitten have some super cute planters and plant accessories as well as one of the best assortments of Japanese goods for sale this side of Tokyo! This is the place to get your kawaii* fix!
(*I didn’t know either, it’s a Japanese pop culture word meaning cute and adorable!)

Closer to home, if you want to pick up something with a local touch, you could try the great Yorkshire shop. Every Yorkshire thing possible, all under one roof. Test the mettle of anyone who thinks they’re a true Tyke with the Yorkshire citizenship test book, I am Yorkshire through and through and I failed miserably when I flicked through the pages!

Another fantastic shop for Yorkshire based gifts is Colours May Vary – if anyone wants to buy me the large, signed, Anthony Burrill, Me&You&You&Me, then I’m 100% behind that idea! This shop has so many gorgeous giftable things, I had to stuff my hands in my pockets to stop me running up my credit card bill! I’ll be back after payday though!

A wonderful place to find a gift for nature lovers is the Simcha Gallery. They have the most exquisite nature inspired jewellery, it’s just gorgeous. I think if you're looking for a unique piece of jewellery for a loved one, this is somewhere you mustn't miss.

Make amazing memories

Sometimes the best gifts can be memories, and if you’re looking to get an original gift that will lead to fun memories you won’t go wrong with a Roller Girl Gang gift voucher for the fun lover in your life! Proprietor Mel says ‘We only sell goods we have tried, tested and love. We can't have folks coming to a class or event and not be comfy!’ Gift vouchers are available in-store and online.

For the crafters in your life, Bellwether Yarns have such a gorgeous array of colours and creations, I can’t walk past without it making me smile. Gift vouchers are available if you’re not sure what to buy.

Stepping up the glamour, a shop that is definitely not just for prom night, Precious Proms and Pearls provides a splash of glamour, with everything that you will need for a fabulous Christmas or to wow them at the Christmas black tie event!

If you prefer your shopping on the retro side, The Archives is excellent and Alt-box is a great place to find pre-loved, vintage one-offs. For the music lover in your life, there's vinyl to be had at Released Records, and instruments at Northern Acoustics.

Everything that you need under one, rather spectacular, roof

It doesn't all have to be go, go, go. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and have a break, and with the Christmas market bringing The Cheesy Living Co, OnaRoll, Raclettmenot and many others to the Corn Exchange, as well as permanent residents OWT, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to refreshments.

While you're enjoying a little sit down and a bite to eat, and I'm quoting one of my favourite Christmas films here, 'Look Up' - you wouldn't want to miss the ceiling of the Corn Exchange it's really quite something.

I’ve included links to all of my favourite stores below, why don’t you pop to the Corn Exchange yourself to see what’s inside this Christmas, they are all waiting to welcome you!

Thanks for reading
Sally