For those who enjoy shopping Oldham certainly offers plenty of variety. The pedestrianised town centre area offers a pleasant shopping environment with two modern shopping malls, the largest town centre based indoor shopping in the region. There are a wide range of retailers and a traditional market. The Saddleworth villages offer arts and crafts and other specialist shopping.

The Spindles is state of the art in shopping terms and provides nearly 50 shops from major high street names to smaller traders. The centre is described as the most impressive newcomer to the shopping scene in the North West.

Situated alongside High Street, the Town Square Shopping Centre has lots to offer. From fine jewellery to exotic holidays, Town Square has all the prominent retail names to choose from in a comfortable shopping environment.

The Tommyfield Market Hall refurbishment was completed in 1992 and is open Monday to Saturday. The traditional outdoor market, with about 300 covered stalls, offers a wide variety of products and a lively atmosphere and is open Monday, Friday and Saturday. There is a second-hand market on Wednesday with a compelling selection of antiques, bric-a-brac and secondhand clothing.

Other local markets include: Wellington Street, Chadderton (Wed.); High Street, Uppermill (Wed.); Farrow Street, Shaw (Thurs.); Hollins Road, Hollinwood (Thurs.); Royton precinct (Thurs.).