Shopping at Palmerston Road Southsea
Explore the Heart of Southsea Shopping at Palmerston Road! Nestled just north of the iconic Southsea Common, Palmerston Road stands as the vibrant epicenter of Southsea's retail charm. While it might be smaller than its counterpart, Commercial Road, Palmerston Road boasts an eclectic blend of national retailers, charming specialist stores, inviting cafes, and delectable Southsea restaurants.
Dive into the Southsea Shopping Area, encompassing the bustling Palmerston Road pedestrian precinct, the quaint Marmion Road, the lively Osbourne Road, and a segment of Clarendon Road near its junction with Palmerston Road. Together, these areas offer an impressive 20,000 square meters of retail space. Discover a world of unique finds, delectable cuisine, and trendy fashion right here in the heart of Southsea!
The major shops and stores are located on the pedestrianised section of Palmerston Road precinct. Until early in 2020 Debenhams had a large department store here, unfortunately due to financial problems this has now closed.
Until July 2019 Knight and Lee (part of the John Lewis Partnership) had a department store here, on the corner of Palmerston Road and Osborne Road. Knight and Lee first opened here in 1865, it was taken over by John Lewis in 1933 and was one of only two stores in the group to retain it's original name. But difficult trading conditions and the need for significant investment forced the closure of the shop.
Waitrose, (also part of the John Lewis Partnership), has a large supermarket and multi storey car park located on Marmion Road.
This part of Southsea was originally developed during the early 19th century. Palmerston Road was formerly the southern part of Grove Road, built in about 1820 and developed into a commercial centre throughout the following years.
Extensive damage during the Second World War required major rebuilding in the late 1940's and early 1950's when many of the buildings that can be seen today were constructed.
Knight and Lee had a shop here ever since 1865, it was founded by Jesse Knight and Herbert Soden Lee, it was destroyed in 1941 during the Blitz, but was rebuilt and re-opened in 1956, it closed in July 2019.
In 1979 Palmerston Road was closed to traffic and the present precinct was developed, around the same time Waitrose was built in Marmion Road.
Today the Southsea Shopping Area is home to a mixture of national chain stores, smaller independent traders as well as a wide range of bars, cafes, restaurants, and pubs.
The section of Palmerston Road south of Osbourne Road has now also been closed to traffic, apart from delivery vehicles.
Regular farmers markets and craft markets are held in the pedestrianised precinct. What shops are in Southsea?
- BOOTS
Health and beauty product supplier, Boots strives to be the first choice for pharmacy, health and beauty. - BLOSSOM BOUTIQUE
Lovely florist shop in the heart of Southsea, beautiful flowers, bouquets and plants. - BUCKWELLS OF SOUTHSEA
Traditional butchers shop, located in Osbourne Road, selling high quality meats, baked goods, Buckwells has been at the heart of the local community for 30 plus years. - COFFEE#1 SOUTHSEA
Comfortable and welcoming Coffee#1 serves great coffee and other beverages, accompanied by tasty treats, in a cosy relaxing atmosphere. - EDINBURGH WOOLLEN MILL
The Edinburgh Woollen Mill sells quality products at great value and with excellent service levels, their garments use the best yarns and fabric available. - FOLIO
Folio or 'the purple hippie shop' is located on the corner of Palmerston Road and Marmion Road. They stock a huge range of Fair Trade Bohemian, Ethnic, Alternative and Hippie clothing, jewellery and furniture. - HOLLAND & BARRETT
Holland & Barrett International is one of the world's leading health and wellness retailers, supplying a wide range of vitamins, minerals, health supplements, specialist foods and natural beauty products. - ICELAND FOODS
The UK's leading frozen food specialist Iceland has more than 900 stores throughout the UK. Iceland offers good value frozen foods and free delivery dependent on a minimum spend value. - MILLETS
Millets is one of the largest retailers of outdoor clothing and equipment in the UK. They stock clothing, footwear and equipment for walking, camping and cycling for adults and children. - NEW LOOK
New Look sources womens clothing from around the world, catering for the needs of Teens, Tall, Petite or Maternity Wear. -
O2 SHOP
As you would expect the O2 Shop in Palmerston Road offers a wide range of mobile phones and devices connected with the O2 network. - ROBERT DYAS
Stocking a huge range of houseware, electrical equipment, kitchenware, gardening, gifts and outdoor equipment. - SAINSBURYS LOCAL
Sainsburys is one of the UKs largest food and grocery retailers. - SUPERDRUG
Superdrug is the pharmacy, toiletries and beauty superstore, they aim to supply high quality, great value, health and beauty products. - WAITROSE
Located on Marmion Road, Waitrose offer a fine range of groceries, foods and wines. They aim to supply great quality food in a sustainable manner. - WH SMITH
With over 600 High Street stores WHSmith is one of the UK's leading retail groups. Specialising in books, newspapers, magazines and stationery, the stores offer a wide range of other goods.
