Shopping in the run-up to Christmas can certainly leave us feeling a little bit frazzled. With a long list of gifts to gather and a seasonal songs playing on repeat, we're often left uttering the words "never again" come December 25th. However, with the start of a fresh new year and a rest in between, January offers savvy shoppers the opportunity to peruse their favourite stores at a slower pace, and who knows, maybe even pick up something special just for ourselves to blow away those January blues! So to help you get ready, set and shop, we've pulled together a list of the best places across Hertfordshire to get those bargains...
Atria Watford
Shop, dine and play all January long courtesy of our friends at atria Watford. Whether you choose to book a lane at Hollywood Bowl with the kids, reserve a table for a new year catch-up over cocktails with friends at The Florist or indulge in sweet treats at Haute Dolci, you’re sure to find everything you could possibly need (and more) under one roof at atria. Plus, for the actual shopping, treat yourself to a new outfit from a whole host of big name brands including Levi's, M&S and Kurt Geiger, so whether you're looking for new shoes to jeans, atria has you well and truly covered.
The Galleria
With over 80 shops and 15 places to eat under one (warm and dry) roof, The Galleria in Hatfield has a great selection of great brands at outlet store prices, and fantastic dining. With the centre’s brilliant on-site jungle themed adventure area Get Wild, children will be entertained for hours… giving you more time to shop until you drop! What's more, the real bargain hunters among you will want to sign straight up to The Galleria's Privilege Club which gives you exclusive offers and discounts in many of the centre's stores, as well as discounted weekday parking fees. More discounts = more treats, right!?
St Albans
Peppered with a charming collection of independent shops and quaint boutiques, the historic city of St. Albans offers the perfect place to indulge in a spot of retail therapy this January. With winding streets laced in innovative independent retailers, design a sparkling new style in a picture-perfect historic setting in this wonderful area. The cobbled lanes and beautiful streets provide an idyllic background to a splendid range of boutiques, so you can soak in the sensational views whilst on your shopping adventures. Plus, once you're laden with bags of brilliant bargains, why not take a pit-stop at the likes of Dylans at the The Kings Arms, HATCH or Bellaccino's Italian Restaurant? We're very confident you'll have worked up an appetite after this shopping expedition...
Hertford
Our next high street hotspot takes us straight to Hertfordshire's County Town. Yes, the charming town of Hertford has a rich history, along with a wealth of shops, restaurants, and attractions to make a beeline for on your next trip to the area. Hunt for treasure in one of Hertford's awe-inspiring antique stores, pick up plenty of interior inspo while browsing some of the brilliant businesses lining the high street, or treat yourself (and your loved ones, but you've likely done a lot of that already!) to fabulous local food & drink when you pop into one of the town's tantalizing retailers. Hurry to Hertford...
The Marlowes Shopping Centre
The delightful district of Dacorum swells with spots to hit the shops, but to really make a day of it we recommend a trip to The Marlowes Shopping Centre, situated in Hemel Hempstead. From fashion to food, a visit to Marlowes gives you the chance to tick off your entire shopping list without needing to brace the January elements. Plus, similarly to The Galleria, this shopping spot has the perfect way to reward its customers with its very own (and, completely free) My Marlowes loyalty card. My Marlowe entitles shoppers to exclusive offers and promotions at stores and outlets around the centre. With discounts on coffee and refreshments, offers on fashion and accessories, and member-only promotions and events, My Marlowes gives you more of the things you love. Just think of it as a small thank you to everyone in Hemel Hempstead for your continued custom!