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20+ Places for Shopping Near Gatwick Airport
While working with Minibus Private Hire, I drive a lot around Gatwick Airport with passengers. I found some of my passengers forgot their chargers, some forgot their bags, some needed baby milk, and some needed clothes. With my experience and travel around Gatwick, I know a lot of stores, shops, and malls. That will help you get anything from them. So that’s why I am writing this to provide you with a list of some places for shopping near Gatwick Airport.
No matter what you want, you will find everything at these places. But which shop you need to choose and which is best for you depends on the time. I added every shop and store. If you don’t have much time, then terminal shops are those that will help you.
Why These Places Are Worth Knowing
From my own experience, knowing a handful of reliable shops and malls close to Gatwick can change how a whole trip feels. Shopping near the airport becomes part of the journey instead of a stressful extra job at the end. Many passengers ask me the same kinds of questions while we are still on the motorway. “Is there somewhere decent for a quick gift around here?”, “Where can I grab a few things for the house before we go home?”
Over time, I built a mental map of the places that actually solve these problems. That is the map I am putting on paper for you here. If you are flying out of Gatwick or landing after a long journey, these spots save you time.
Convenience For Travellers With Little Time
Imagine you land tired, your children are restless, and you suddenly remember you do not have toothpaste or you forgot to pick the charger of your phone charger. At that time, you find a shop near the airport where you stop for a couple of minutes, and you get what you want. Gatwick’s terminal shops cover most of the basics both before and after security. On top of that, several retail parks and shopping centers sit a short drive away. For those people who need to grab something for the house, these shops and malls are also the best option for you.
Duty Free And High Street Brands Together
World Duty Free is the place to pick up anything premium, perfumes, cosmetics, or electronics if you don’t have much time. You need to come to this place and pick what you want. But if you prefer online shopping. Then reserve online what you want and collect from here. This will save you time.
Many passengers like the online Reserve and Collect service, where you pick items on the website and collect them at the airport. It saves wandering around when you would rather sit down.
One thing I have learned is that too many choices can be as stressful as no choice. So if you have time and you need to buy something. Then, World Duty Free stores are a good option for you inside the airport.
Many times, when Hamza came back from home. He landed at Gatwick Airport. So the World Duty Free Store is one of his favorite places. Because almost every time he forgot something at home. Then he needs to buy from here also, many times he says to me I need this, stop anywhere, I buy this. So some of the places were actually the first time I went with him.
Easy Access From Both Terminals
Both the North and South Terminals follow a similar idea. Many shops sit on the natural path passengers follow after security, so you pass them on the way to the gates. There are travel essentials, books, fashion, and gift outlets, usually without a long walk.
If you have a chance to plan, check which terminal has the shops you care about. In some cases, you can also use Reserve and Collect and pick up your order at the correct terminal on your way through.
Options For Different Budgets And Styles
Around Gatwick, there are a lot of places to buy on a budget. Most passengers think these places around airports are expensive. But there are a lot of stores like Poundland and Primark where you can find anything on a budget.
Middle-class families like these places to buy snacks, kids’ clothes, and any accessories for electronics. Travellers looking for a nicer present or a tech upgrade can aim for the airport stores or the bigger malls. In practice, most people use a mix of both.
Malls And Centres Near Gatwick
1. County Mall, Crawley
County Mall in Crawley is the nearest full scale shopping centre to Gatwick. It has more than fifty stores across two main levels, with fashion, tech, travel items, cafes and services in one compact space.
I often suggest County Mall when passengers tell me the terminal selection feels too limited. The drive usually takes ten to fifteen minutes, and in most cases they return with exactly what they had in mind. One regular family always buys holiday clothes there before a summer flight and swears it keeps their morning calmer.
If you go, park near the main entrance, write a short list of the categories you want, and aim for shops that sit close together. This one small plan can save half an hour of wandering.
2. Queens Square Shopping Area, Crawley
Queens Square in Crawley is an open air shopping area with a mix of high street shops and cafes. It is good for quick stops for sports kit, stationery, snacks or a relaxed coffee.
Families often prefer Queens Square when the weather is mild and they want a short walk in the fresh air before the airport. The town has had some refurbishment in recent years, with better seating and improved public spaces, which makes it feel more pleasant than many tired town centers.
3. Acorn Retail Park, Crawley
Acorn Retail Park is where I go when someone needs practical items fast. It offers larger format stores such as supermarkets, home stores and toy shops.
I remember a late evening run when a couple realised they had forgotten baby formula and nappies. One stop at Acorn solved everything. They took ten minutes in the supermarket, came back to the car relieved and ready to focus on the flight instead of panicking.
Parking is simple and the signs are clear, which helps when your mind is already busy with travel plans. If you need groceries or bulky items, a retail park like this makes more sense than trying to carry large bags through the terminal.
4. The Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill
The Belfry in Redhill is a traditional covered shopping centre within reach of Gatwick. It holds a spread of high street brands and cafes and can feel calmer than the airport buzz, especially for people staying in Redhill or Reigate.
When someone tells me they have a hotel night in Redhill before flying, I often suggest keeping half an hour free for The Belfry. One passenger who wanted a particular book tried there after failing to find it at the airport. He came back with the book, a coffee, and a remark that the whole stop felt far more restful than hunting around the terminal.
Airport Terminal Shopping
1. Gatwick North Terminal
North Terminal offers a range of shops for travel essentials, fashion, books and gifts. Most sit after security in the departure lounge area, so you can arrive early and do everything without leaving the departure zone.
There are well known brands and some travel focused outlets for adapters, headphones, power banks and bag accessories. The terminal guide and website maps are worth checking when you arrive, especially if you know your gate can be a long walk from the central area.
A useful thought: look at the map while you are still calm, not when the screens are already flashing a boarding message.
2. Gatwick South Terminal
South Terminal usually has a broad selection of outlets. The main shopping area, sometimes called the Village, sits on a central level where many stores cluster together. You will find fashion, accessories, books, toys and travel goods in one place.
If you are flying from South Terminal and enjoy a slow browse, try to arrive with a little extra time before you go through security. In my years as a driver, the passengers who keep fifteen spare minutes are the ones who manage to buy gifts without rushing or arguments.
3. Duty Free At Both Terminals
Both terminals host World Duty Free stores with perfume, cosmetics, spirits, chocolate and travel exclusive products. The Reserve and Collect option lets you order in advance and pick up at Gatwick, which is popular with regular flyers who know exactly what they want.
Many people use this for presents or a particular bottle to take to family. They pass through the store, collect the bag with their name on it and walk out again in a few minutes.
If you already know your favorite perfume or drink, use the online reserve service and choose the correct terminal. That single step can free up your attention for something nicer.
4. Last Minute Essentials
Gatwick’s travel essentials shops carry chargers, SIM cards, toiletries, magazines and snacks. They are placed where passengers naturally walk, on the route to the gates.
I once had a business traveller in the car who realised his presentation clicker at home had almost dead batteries. He looked genuinely worried. A quick stop at a terminal essentials kiosk gave him fresh batteries in minutes and probably saved his whole meeting.
The point is simple. If you forget a small but important item, there is nearly always a way to fix it inside the secure zone.
High Street Shopping Near Gatwick
1. Crawley High Street
Crawley High Street gives a realistic picture of everyday local shopping, with cafes, chain stores and some independent shops. Prices can be gentler than inside the airport, especially for food and basic clothes.
I often tell passengers to imagine they are walking from a town car park into a normal row of shops, rather than stepping into a duty free display. It feels familiar and relaxed, which is sometimes exactly what people need after a long flight.
2. Horley Town Center
Horley is very close to Gatwick and has local bakeries, convenience stores and small gift shops. For travelers staying in Horley or passing through on the way home, a fifteen to twenty minute stop there can be enough to pick up fresh bread, pastries or simple presents.
Local passengers sometimes ask me to swing through Horley at the end of a trip so they can grab warm bakery items before they go home. It has become a quiet tradition for a few families.
3. Redhill Shopping Street
Redhill’s central shopping streets offer a mix of fashion outlets and everyday services. People who break their journey there often find more clothes and book choices than inside the terminal, without the travel pressure.
4. Horsham Town Center
Horsham gives a more spacious shopping experience with a blend of independent shops and familiar high street names. There are plenty of food places and small boutiques.
I once recommended Horsham to a couple who had an evening flight booked for the next day. They spent the afternoon walking through the town, did a little shopping, sat in a cafe, and later told me the stroll through Horsham improved their mood for travel more than any airport lounge could have done.
Budget Friendly Options
1. Poundland, Crawley
Poundland is handy for low cost essentials and small gifts. If you want travel snacks, cheap adapters or stocking fillers, it can be a smarter stop than paying higher airport prices.
Many travelers like to buy small toys or coloring packs here for children, then bring them out as a surprise on the plane.
2. Primark, Crawley
Primark in Crawley is a familiar choice for inexpensive clothing and accessories. Passengers use it for quick holiday outfits, extra socks, simple flip flops or spare hoodies.
I have seen more than one passenger climb back into my vehicle with a Primark bag and a smile, relieved to have found a cheap jacket for an event or an extra jumper for a cold destination.
3. TK Maxx, Crawley
TK Maxx offers discounted branded goods and surprises in homeware and fashion. If you enjoy the feeling of finding a bargain, it is often more satisfying than browsing in airport shops at the same price.
Bargain hunters tend to return to the car comparing who found the better deal, which is always fun to watch.
4. Discount Retail Parks Around Crawley
Retail parks around Crawley bring together supermarkets, sports outlets and homeware stores in one place. They are straightforward to reach from Gatwick and are ideal when you need bigger or heavier items.
My usual advice is simple. Use a retail park for groceries and bulky goods. Keep the terminal shops for small items you are happy to carry.
Fashion And Accessories
1. H and M, County Mall
H and M in County Mall is useful for mid price fashion for men, women and children. If you need a quick outfit, a light jacket or some travel layers, you know roughly what to expect.
The layout makes it easy to find the sections for each age group. Staff usually point you quickly to fitting rooms so you do not waste time.
2. Next, Crawley
Next offers clothing and home accessories. Passengers often head there when they need something slightly smarter than their usual travel clothes.
I remember one passenger who had a family party straight after his flight. He ran into Next, found a blazer and shirt that suited him, and walked out saying he felt much more confident.
3. JD Sports, County Mall
JD Sports is always popular with teenagers and sports fans. It is the place for trainers, tracksuits and sportswear. If you have a young person in the car with you, there is a good chance JD is on their wish list.
4. River Island, Horsham
River Island in Horsham caters for trend led fashion. The store sits nicely among the town cafes, so you can combine a clothes browse with a coffee break.
Food And Gifts shopping near gatwick airport
1. Marks and Spencer Simply Food
Marks and Spencer Simply Food appears in retail parks and town centers near Gatwick. It is one of the most reliable places for ready meals, bakery items and treats that feel a bit more special.
Many passengers pick up sandwiches and snacks there for the drive, or a nicer food gift for family. Fresh salads, little cakes, or a smart biscuit tin all work well.
A simple tip. Choose fresh food here for the car journey or to carry on to a short flight where you prefer your own snacks.
2. WHSmith
WHSmith has branches in both terminals and in nearby towns. It sells books, magazines, stationery sets, puzzle books and snack packs.
When I drop families off, I often suggest checking WHSmith for small puzzle books or colouring sets for children just before boarding. They are cheap and can keep children occupied for a surprising amount of time.
3. Duty Free Confectionery At Gatwick
The duty free confectionery sections at Gatwick carry British chocolate brands and gift boxes that work well as presents. Many travellers choose their chocolate in the same way they would pick biscuits from a favorite tin, thinking about which relative likes which flavour. Packaging is often bright and suitable for gifts, which saves you from wrapping things at home.
4. Local Souvenir Shops In Crawley
Souvenir shops in and around Crawley stock postcards, mugs, key rings and classic Union Jack style items. They are light, easy to pack and usually cheaper than similar pieces inside the terminal.
I once watched a family argue playfully over whether to bring home a tasteful tea tin or a very tourist style box with a big flag on it. In the end they took both, laughing that relatives abroad usually enjoy the cliche.
Specialty And Unique Shopping
Local delis and food shops near Gatwick sometimes stock British chocolates, jams and teas from nearby producers. If you want a gift that feels a little more personal, it is worth asking your driver or hotel for a recommendation.
I remember pointing one passenger toward a small chocolate shop when he wanted a thoughtful present to take back to Pakistan. Weeks later he told me the gift had gone down very well.
Inside the terminals, tech outlets sell headphones, power banks, travel plugs and small electronics. These shops are not always the cheapest, but they are a lifesaver when you realise your phone will not survive the trip.
Perfume and beauty counters appear both in the airport and in County Mall. Staff usually help with samples and suggestions, which is useful when you want a gift that feels polished and you are not sure what to choose.
Bookstores and WHSmith branches in the airport still play an important role. Choosing a paperback or a magazine for a long journey is a quiet ritual for many travellers. A good story can make hours in the air pass much more gently.
A Story From The Road
One of my regular passengers, Ahmed, taught me how much a simple shopping stop can change a whole journey. He often asked me to take him to County Mall before dropping him at Gatwick.
He did not buy anything spectacular. Usually a couple of shirts, some chocolates and sometimes a small gift for his children. But he said those twenty or thirty minutes made his travel feel less rushed. He liked the routine of walking through the mall, choosing something calmly, and then heading to the airport already feeling prepared.
More than once he told me he preferred that to wandering around the terminal looking lost in the last few minutes before boarding. His little habit stayed with me and is part of why I now recommend a planned stop instead of random last minute shopping.
Simple Steps And New Trends
When time is short, small actions matter more than big plans. A few simple steps can remove a lot of stress. First, check online for the exact location of the shop you want and whether it is before security or after. That way you do not walk into the wrong area by mistake.
Second, use Reserve and Collect for duty free items if you already know what you want. Third, pick a retail park for heavy or bulky items and use the airport only for things you can easily carry.
Fourth, give yourself an extra quarter of an hour before checking in if you intend to browse terminal shops. One clear trend I have noticed is the growth of online reserve services linked to airport stores. Many people now prefer to reserve and collect rather than spend their limited time browsing. Gatwick encourages this on its shopping pages and it suits those who like firm plans.
A tiny checklist can help. Know which terminal you are using. Check whether your chosen shop is before or after security. Decide in advance if you will reserve items online or shop in person.
How To Choose Where To Shop
If you feel stuck, ask yourself three quick questions. Do you need something heavy or light, Is your time tight or flexible, Do you prefer branded goodies or bargains. If you need heavy things or groceries, go to a retail park such as Acorn. If you want gifts and travel essentials and you do not have much time, use the terminal shops or World Duty Free with Reserve and Collect. If you have a more relaxed schedule and want variety, choose County Mall or The Belfry. For a calmer town atmosphere, Horsham or Redhill can be a pleasure.
Final Thoughts From The Driver Seat
After many years driving around Gatwick, one lesson repeats itself. Travellers who plan one short shopping stop gain more than those who try to do everything at the airport in a rush. Choose one place based on your main need and trust that place to do its job. A small amount of planning such as checking opening times or placing a Reserve and Collect order makes everything smoother.
If you have a family or complicated luggage, consider planning a fifteen to thirty minute stop at County Mall or Acorn Retail Park on the way to the terminal. If you travel light and just want a quick fix, the terminal shops and online reserve services will probably be enough.
Imagine you have ten spare minutes now. What would you do, You might walk straight to the essentials store, buy your snack or charger or small gift, and then go to the gate with less on your mind.
Shopping near Gatwick becomes much easier once you know which places suit which needs. Whether you want the speed of the airport shops, the variety of County Mall, the practical nature of retail parks, or the calm of a town center like Horsham or Redhill, this area offers plenty of options. I will be interested to hear which one you try first on your next trip.
