For its size, Cardiff offers some decent opportunities for shopping, and punches well above its weight in terms of variety and convenience.  Cardiff consistently ranks as the top retail centre in Wales and the South West of England, according to the Experian rankings of the top 50 UK retail centres and hovers in or close to the top 10 UK retail centres.  City Centre shopping focuses on a compact area immediately south and south east of the Castle, roughly bordered by St Mary Street, Queen Street, Mill Lane and Bridge Street. 

There are all the major High Street chains you would expect, plus many dozens of smaller chains and independent shops.  In this zone much of the shopping is undercover, either in the modern shopping malls of the St David's Centre, Queen's Arcade, or Capitol, or in the network of elegant Victorian and Edwardian arcades leading off St Mary's Street, where small independent traders have held their own for over a century, offering everything from the niche to the downright quirky. 

The arcades really make Cardiff's shopping experience different, as they take you on a narrow meander round corners and out into other streets, mirroring the one-time medieval street layout of the city.

The major department store is Howells, which stretches between St Mary Street and the Hayes (part of the House of Fraser Group)

In the middle of all this is Cardiff's large and lively Victorian indoor market, next door to Howells, open every day except Sunday, and selling everything from fresh food, textiles, pets, second hand books and toys, and souvenirs.

Note: Major redevelopment work south of the Hayes is expected to continue until 2009, when the 'SD2' development will be complete, expanding the city centre retail area further south. The scale of the development can be seen from these 'live' webcams:  

http://www.stdavids2.com/webcams.asp?...

Shopping for gifts?

The Town and Country Gift Shop at Llandaff offers items from Wales and the world: Food, books, jewellery, and souvenirs are just some of its offerings.

Across from Cardiff Castle is Castle Welsh Crafts, the largest souvenir shop in the city. Clothing with Wales' red dragon motif are available as well as food items and postcards to send home to the ones you left behind - meanie.

Welsh love spoons are a tradition in Wales. Made of wood, they were originally carved and given as gifts to express undying love. The Love Spoon Gallery on Castle Street has made the job easy for you.

The Welsh Tartan Centre has kilts and accessories for sale or rent. Though not as commonly seen as the Scottish version, Welsh kilts are making a comeback.

Things Welsh / Pethau Cymraeg in Duke Street Arcade specialises in locally made crafts, including jewellery and artwork.

For Rugby fans, there's the Siop Ddraig (or Dragon Shop) on Duke Street. The famous red Rugby shirts are to be found there and other items reflecting country pride.