Birmingham's city centre experienced a surge of activity on Monday as crowds of bargain hunters descended upon the Bullring shopping centre for the first major sales day after Christmas.
Shoppers Flock for Major Retail Discounts
New Street was busy with dozens of people making their way towards the Bullring and the nearby Primark store on December 29. The footfall was driven by the launch of post-Christmas sales at a host of major retailers. Shoppers were seen carrying numerous shopping bags, particularly around the iconic Bull statue, indicating successful bargain-hunting trips.
Key stores participating in the sales include Selfridges, Next, Marks & Spencer, and River Island, among others. The promise of significant discounts following the festive period proved a powerful draw for residents looking to make the most of their money.
Bullring Opening Hours Over the New Year Period
The shopping centre is operating its normal hours on December 29 and 30. However, hours will change for New Year's Eve and Day. On Wednesday, December 31, the Bullring will be open from 9am until 6pm.
It will then reopen on New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1, with hours from 10am to 7pm. The centre is expected to return to its standard operating schedule from Friday, January 2 onwards.
A Transformative Year for Birmingham Retail
The sales rush follows a significant year of development for the Bullring and Grand Central complex. 2025 saw several high-profile store openings and transformations that have reshaped the retail offering.
One of the most notable changes was the arrival of fashion brand Uniqlo, which replaced Zara and now occupies a substantial three-floor unit. Other new arrivals that have bolstered the centre's appeal include:
- Space NK
- Bath & Body Works
- Hollister
- All Saints
In a move blending retail with local sport, Aston Villa Football Club partnered with adidas to launch a new official club store within the shopping centre, catering to the team's vast fanbase.
The combination of these new attractions and the traditional post-Christmas sales has solidified the Bullring's position as the West Midlands' premier shopping destination, drawing crowds eager for both discounts and the latest retail experiences.
