Unit 7 Cards and Gifts

Unit 7 is a little card and gift store situated in the other side of the arcade from the Great Western (entrance opposite ⁶⁄₈ Café and Druckers). It doesn’t look like much from the outside (as with many of the shops in this relatively un-​glitzy Birmingham based shopping arcade), but is a treasure trove of lovely things.
I popped in last week to grab a decent Fathers day card and some bits and bobs. I was greeted as i went in (which made me feel welcome, rather than bothered or pressured to buy) and perused their vast selection of cards. Unlike many of the other card shops in Birmingham, I tend to find Unit 7 has cards with nice and genuine (rather than saccharine) sentiments. They also have some really sweet (rather than tacky) little presents.
The only problem is the price. I found a really nice Fathers day card which said something along the lines of «Dad, the older I get the cooler you are». Nice, right? It had a bold and simple design and was just what I was looking for (rather than the offerings in other shops which seemed to consist of fart jokes, football mad dad or cards that implied my father was an alcoholic). The problem was the price. £3.75 for, essentially, a piece of card with some nice writing on. On further inspection, there were many lovely cards; but all of them were quite overpriced.
I reckon many of the designs here probably come from Independent designers, and as such you are paying to support an artist. Now, I don’t begrudge this at all (in fact, I would love to support these guys), but paying £3.75 for what is essentially a piece of cardboard seems a little ludicrous to me?
In summary — if you are looking for something for a special occasion (big birthday, wedding), then I encourage you to have a look in Unit 7. Chances are you’ll find something lovely — however, it’s not cheap.

This super friendly card shop is conveniently found in the arcade, just by the side entrance of House of Fraser. Apart from cards and wrap their are a few gift items so give it a go before you go to it’s neigbouring department store!
I always think I’ll find what I’m looking for there but haven’t so far because I always need something unique. I’m desperate to spend ££s in there!

Although the interior looks quite old fashioned, out dated, you can still find some nice gifts in here.
Cards, gifts, photo frames, scarves, brollies, ‘personalised’ door plaques — designed by you, ornaments, mugs etc, they offer a bit of everything.
I felt most of the items can be bought elsewhere, at a better price. Still nice to visit and browse at what they have.
The service was ok and the shop is welcoming, but I don’t think this one is for me.

I entered Unit 7 Cards and Gifts hoping to be surprised. This didn’t happen as I was greeted by a small room packed with the most uninspired selection of cards and gifts imaginable. Independant shops and small chains are meant to stand out from the crowd! Why be a rubbish version of Clintons when you can be a cheaper version of Paperchase, maybe showcasing cards from some of Birmingham’s many talented illustrators and stylish gifts to rival those on offer at the near by House of Fraser?
Shops like this make me sad. They need to head down to Covent Garden for a real wake up call and realise they can make something amazing of themselves.
*heads to bank to ask for loan to open rival gift shop*