What Shops Are At Birmingham Airport

Right, let’s talk about Birmingham Airport. You know the drill: you’ve arrived two hours early because your mum told you to, and now you’re staring into the soul of a WHSmith. But hold your horses—actually, hold your carry-on—because BHX has more to offer than overpriced water and a single, sad battery charger. I’m about to walk you through the shops, and I promise it’s more entertaining than watching the departure board flicker.

The Holy Trinity of Pre-Flight Panic

First, the obvious: World Duty Free. It’s the airport equivalent of a casino—bright lights, no windows, and you leave convinced you needed a litre of Tanqueray. The best part? You’ll spend ten minutes sniffing perfume samples, only to buy a Toblerone. Every single time.

Next to it, WHSmith is the safety net. Need a cryptic crossword, a bag of Pipers crisps, and a USB cable you’ll lose in the seat pocket? Sorted. But here’s a surprising fact: Birmingham Airport’s WHSmith once sold a book about pigs that fly—I’m not kidding, it was an actual children’s book. I bought it. My nephew still talks about it.

And don’t forget Boots. It’s where you remember you forgot deodorant, but also where you accidentally buy a three-pack of hair masks because you might need them on holiday. Spoiler: you won’t.

The Fashion Show (Or: "I Look Like a Potato")

If you’re feeling fancy, Accessorize is there to sell you a sparkly scarf you’ll wear for exactly one airport selfie. But my favourite is M&S Food, which is basically a miracle of science. You can grab a Percy Pig pack and a sandwich so fresh you suspect they’ve got a TARDIS out back. True story: The M&S at BHX sells more prawn cocktail sandwiches per square foot than any other UK airport. I made that up, but it feels true.

Then there’s JD Sports, where middle-aged dads (and me) get suddenly obsessed with a $90 tracksuit they’ll never wear. The lighting in there makes everyone look like they’re about to join the Olympic team. You’re not. But go on, try the trainers on. Waddle to your gate in style.

The Tech Trap and the "Oops, I Forgot" Zone

InMotion is the shop that preys on your gadget guilt. You’ll see a noise-cancelling headset for £300 and think, "But my neighbour’s snoring on the flight..." Walk away. Buy the £10 earplugs at Boots. Your wallet will thank you.

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For the genuinely forgetful, there’s Travelex. Yes, it’s a currency exchange, but it’s also a place to buy a bright pink luggage tag that says "WORLD TRAVELLER." Fun fact: The staff there have seen more currencies than a pirate with a spreadsheet. They will judge you for asking about the Bulgarian Lev.

The Surprise You Didn’t Know You Needed

Here’s the kicker—Birmingham Airport has a Post Office past security. I know, I gasped too. You can send a postcard from inside the airport. Who do you send it to? Yourself, obviously. "Wish you were here? I am here. At the gate. Help."

And for the love of all that is holy, don’t miss the Dixons Travel. It’s like a museum of overpriced chargers and cables you’ll definitely need, but only if your toddler throws yours in the bin. Pro tip: The staff there speak three languages and the language of regret. They’ve seen your "I’ll just use my phone" lie before.

Finally, there’s a little shop called WH Smiths—wait, I mentioned that. But did you know it sells actual stamps? Yes, in 2025, you can buy a stamp at an airport. It’s the slowest way to send a message, yet somehow faster than my WiFi.

One Last Lap

So, when you’re at Birmingham Airport, don’t just zombie-walk to the gate. Hit the shops—stretch your legs, buy a crisp sandwich, and try on that ridiculous hat at Accessorize. Remember: The plane can’t leave without you (okay, it can, but pretend). Now go forth, shop badly, and have a £9.50 pint at the Wetherspoons. You’ve earned it.