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Shopping

Reading stands as a premier shopping destination in the South East, offering a dynamic blend of high-street brands, independent boutiques and expansive retail parks. This vibrant retail landscape not only caters to diverse consumer preferences but also underscores Reading's appeal to investors and businesses seeking a prosperous environment.

At the heart of Reading's retail scene is its town centre, where every visit brings something new to explore:

The Oracle
A flagship shopping centre boasting over 80 stores, including renowned brands like Apple, Hollister and Next. Beyond shopping, The Oracle offers riverside dining with over 20 restaurants and bars, as well as entertainment options like the Vue Cinema.
Broad Street Mall
Located in the town centre, this mall combines big-name retailers, with eateries and independent stores. It also houses leisure facilities like the Reading Biscuit Factory cinema, Urban Fun and Spinners, offering mini-golf and bowling.
Harris Arcade
An Art Deco gem, this Grade II listed arcade is home to a variety of independent retailers, providing unique shopping experiences in a historic setting.

Independent Retailers and Markets

Reading prides itself on a flourishing independent retail sector. From artisanal bakeries to bespoke fashion outlets, independent shops are scattered throughout the town, particularly in areas like Harris Arcade and Caversham, a short walk from the centre. Additionally, weekly street food markets at Market Place and venues like Blue Collar Corner offer local produce and delicious street food, bringing different flavours to Reading each day of the week.

Expansive Retail Parks

Beyond the town centre, Reading hosts several well-established retail parks, catering to a wide range of shopping needs:

Forbury Retail Park: Offers a selection of home and lifestyle stores.
Brunel Retail Park: Features a mix of fashion, electronics, and home improvement retailers.
Reading Gate Retail Park: Home to various large-format stores, providing ample shopping options.

These retail parks not only serve the local population but also attract shoppers from surrounding areas, contributing to Reading's economic vitality.

Accessibility

Reading's strategic location and robust transport infrastructure enhance its retail appeal:

Transport Links: The town is well-connected via road and rail, with Reading Station serving as a major transport hub, facilitating easy access for shoppers and commuters alike.
Pedestrian-Friendly Layout: The compact nature of the town centre allows for convenient pedestrian movement between shopping areas, creating a seamless retail experience.
Parking Facilities: Ample parking is available across shopping centres and retail parks, accommodating the needs of visitors and supporting high footfall.
Accessibility: Reading is designed to welcome everyone, with step-free routes, wheelchair-accessible public transport, Blue Badge parking, and supportive services like Shopmobility and Readibus, making the town centre easy to navigate for visitors of all ages and abilities.

For more information about Reading’s retail offering, explore its diverse variety of town centre shops here.