Department Stores, Cardiff

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Centre of Cardiff is basically one big shopping centre. Most shops are concentrated around pedestrianized Queen street and the Hayes. All "the usual suspects" are here - from big department stores to the usual brands.

I usually hate shopping so my walk here was purely for research purposes ;)
But even for me it was definitely interesting to compare the old intimate traditional arcades selling traditional stuff and crafts with new sterile shopping galleries offering the usual brands you can nowadays find in almost every place.

The southern part of the city centre is one big construction site. It did not take me long to realize that another shopping centre is being built. There are advertisements for new "St.David's 2" throughout the city centre. Do we really need all those shops? Or is it simply a food for the shoppers hunger?

It's alway fun to check out the department stores to compare them with the stores at home (don't you love it girls). Howells is similar to Macys in the U.S. After we browsed the womens' clothing we had lunch in their little cafe.

I understand Howells has gone through a renovation since I was there and now they even cut your hair.

What to buy: We only window shopped.

What to pay: Same prices as the US.

Howells is the biggest department store in Cardiff , It has everything from Ladies & mens designer clothing , Some of the brands include ~Gucci~ted baker~morgan~miss sixty~Tommy hilfiger~firetrap and many more , also you can buy furniture , house-hold goods , and they have a perfume store , hair & beauty salon.

What to buy: Howells ~ Browse through thousands of items for that perfect outfit ~ Treat yourself , have a manicure & cut&blow dry in howells hair & beauty salon ~ lastly test your favourite perfume!

What to pay: You'd get a full outfit including accessories for around £100 , I've bought a morgan top , jeans , belt & a pair of earings for £89