Blue Banana moved from it's former home in the Pallasades Centre last year. When it first popped up a few years ago, I let out a huge sigh of relief. Birmingham is the home of metal, and as such has a wide and varied alternative scene who obviously need a good piercers and clothing emporium.
Blue Banana delivers this service with gusto! Stocking a large range with everything from your skater hoodies, retro inspired dresses to the useful band themed wallets with large chains (great for making sure you don't lose your money in a mosh pit); it's a small shop that offers a comprehensive range of stock. It's just a shame they don't have more "out there makes" (like some of the Industrial/Cyber clothing names), but they do stock plenty of "Hell Bunny", "Poizon Industries" and skater clothing makes.
As well as clothing, it also does body piercing. It regularly has offers (for those "spur of the moment" piercing decisions) from as little as £10. Obviously, this has exclusions, but it's good to know there is a place in the heart of the City (on New Street) which offers this service.
The staff are always friendly and helpful. When the new store opened, they had a bit of a mega sale. All dresses, £10 you say? Yes Please. For the life of me, I couldn't find a particular dress I wanted in my size - but the lovely ladies of Blue Banana scoured the shop floor and located what I wanted in record time.
With this prime location, it's definitely worth a visit. Being 2 minutes walk from New Street train station and on the main shopping street in Birmingham, if you just have 5 minutes; have a little look around. They also stock plenty of Marvel and quirky themed gifts (mugs and accessories), so a good little place to look for Birthday presents.
In summary, I would like MORE varied stock (like goth boots); but they are doing a bang up job catering for the discerning alternative crowd in Birmingham. read more