Sheffield city centre is quite compact, so the city's suburbs even ones quite close to the centre have largely managed to thrive and maintain their character and commercial individuality.
crystal peaks
A smaller, more spacious alternative to Meadowhall on the Southern edge of Sheffield, Crystal Peaks (http://www.crystalpeaksce...) shopping centre has many shops and is adjacent to a good selection of 'out of town' superstores such as Comet and JD Sports. Crystal Peaks can be reached via the Blue Route tram to 'Halfway', or local buses, or by car junction 30 of the M1.
city centre
The centre, though small, packs in a lot of national and individual shops. The main axis of central shopping streets runs in a gently curving line from north-east to south-west. From north to south you will find:
the inexpensive Castle Market area, where a large indoor market is open every day except Sunday
the High Street, where buses and trams run up hill towards the Cathedral
the pedestrianized Fargate, where many chain stores can be found
the Peace Gardens, which is bordered with bars, cafes and a few other shops
and finally the Moor, which is Sheffield's broad pedestrianised discount shopping area.
Heading west from the Cathedral is West Street, where many pubs and bars can be found. One block south and parallel to West Street is Division Street, the spine of the so-called Devonshire Quarter. Here you'll find a decent selection of small independent shops and cafes. Despite the draw of nearby Meadowhall, the city centre has retained some significant department stores and chain shops including H & M,Debenhams, TK Maxx, River Island, HMV, Marks and Spencer,Virgin and Sheffield's very own and interestingly quirky Atkinsons.
For after-shopping relaxation, note that apart from Thursday nights when most shops stay open late most of the city centre shops close at around 5:30PM, and the city centre focus then shifts to the clubs and bars along Division Street and West Street.
suburbs
Ecclesall Road is an area of individual fashion shops, bars, cafes and restaurants running from the inner ring road out to the slightly more student-orientated and bohemian Hunters Bar roundabout.
Broomhill is a fairly self-contained area: a curious and pleasant mix of "studenty" and "leafy suburb". Only a mile from the city centre past the university, it has an interesting mix of shops from inexpensive to trendy. Music lovers should make time for the impressive second-hand music collection at Record Collector on the Fulwood Road.
Hillsborough has a unusually large shopping area which is comparable to that of many towns in England - the 'Hillsborough Barracks' outdoor shopping centre contains a variety of local and chain stores, a Morrisons supermarket and a McDonalds resturaunt. This is along with the typical small shopping areas you will find in most suburbs in Sheffield.