Edinburgh has a wonderfully vibrant independent shopping scene. As you explore our hidden closes and streets, you’re bound to find some of the most unique and interesting boutiques in the country. Here are just a handful of our favourites…
Shopping Favourites
1.
ALC
61 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DY
Searching for the perfect fitting jeans can be a real challenge. Thankfully that’s where ALC comes in.
This Thistle Street boutique, Edinburgh’s first store specialising in women’s denim, aims to make finding the perfect pair of jeans possible. With a huge range of exclusive brands and the expert knowledge of its staff, you’ll be able to pick from a carefully chosen selection and find those longed-for jeans that match your shape. So relax, that perfect pair of jeans is closer than you think!
2.
Fabhatrix
13 Cowgatehead, Edinburgh, EH1 1JY
Think hats are something that can only be worn in the winter months – think again!
Fabhatrix makes hats for every kind of hat lover. Their friendly and helpful staff offer specialist knowledge of sizing, styles and materials. Specialising in designs and quality materials that can’t be found on the high street, all their hats are handmade on-site, so you’re sure to find something perfect. Go on – treat your head to something new this season.
3.
The Leith Collective
1st Floor Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ
Unit 3A, Fort Kinnaird Retail Park, Lawhouse Toll, Edinburgh, EH15 3RH
Showcasing the work of 300+ artists from across Scotland, all of whom strive to use recycled materials, The Leith Collective is a great place to shop if you’re looking for a unique gift.
With two shops in Edinburgh – Ocean Terminal at Leith and Fort Kinnaird Retail Park – shop everything from cushions and cards to soaps and sunhats.
4.
The Refillery
39 Newington Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1QW
Sustainability is also at the fore at The Refillery. The ethos here is to reduce packaging and minimise waste, with customers able to buy a variety of goods according to the amount they want.
They stock a large selection of grocery items as well as household cleaners and personal care items made from naturally derived ingredients.
5.
Grow Urban
92 Grove Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8AP
8B St Vincent Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6SH
With two shops to choose from, discover houseplants, plant pots, plant care and more at Grow Urban.
These dog-friendly shops are a lovely place to browse and shop if you’re looking to bring the outdoors indoors. Choose from foliage, succulents, trailing, air purifying plants and everything in-between. They even serve locally roasted coffee and cakes to enjoy whilst choosing your botanical purchases.
6.
Mr Wood’s Fossils
5 Cowgatehead, Edinburgh, EH1 1JY
For over 30 years, Mr Wood’s Fossils in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket has been the place to go for an incredible range of fossils, minerals and meteorites.
The shop has earned an international reputation for its collection of ammonites, trilobites and dinosaur fossils which have been sourced from around the world. For would-be geologists who want to know more about any of the items in the shop, their friendly staff are always on hand to offer their knowledge and expertise.
7.
Marshmallow Lady
14 Rodney Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4EA
With a name like Marshmallow Lady there’s no great surprise as to what you can find here!
Taking the humble marshmallow to new levels, this small shop offers an ever-changing range of squishy delicious treats, such as chocolate mousse, candy floss and After Eight flavour.
And as the perfect accompaniment – they also serve hot chocolate and toasted marshmallow milkshakes.
8.
Kilted Donut
22 St Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AL
23 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS
If you like your donut with more than just jam, then be sure to make a beeline for Kilted Donut.
From their shops in both Stockbridge and the Grassmarket they offer a mouth-watering selection of these sweet pastries which change each week. Choose from sumptuous flavours like apple crumble and pecan pie, or plump for one of their three vegan toppings.
© Tee Hodges
9.
Typewronger Books
4a Haddington Place, Edinburgh, EH7 4AE
Edinburgh’s smallest indie bookshop specialising in new books, indie publications, zines, typewriters, and riso printing.
Typewronger Books is home to a community of readers, writers, artists and musicians. The main shop carries just over two thousand titles, and features sections such as scifi/fantasy, murder, occult, din-dins, science, gender, antiquity, art, books about books, children’s books, philosophy, politics, nature, and of course our famous poetry nook.
10.
Those Were The Days Vintage
28 St Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AL
Tucked away down a few steps on St Stephen Street, Those Were The Days Vintage is one of Edinburgh’s best vintage clothing stores.
Step into this haven for one-of-a-kind clothing, jewellery and accessories. With an outstanding collection of 1920s to 1990s vintage wear, an afternoon here is an afternoon well spent!
One thing which separates this boutique from the rest is their vintage bridal wear. The showroom is filled with rare gowns, tiaras, dresses and suits – perfect for any modern-day bride wishing to fully embrace a bygone era.
Explore more shopping in Edinburgh
Whether it’s luxury brands or quirky finds you seek, Edinburgh is a shopaholic’s dream. Discover more in our Guide to Shopping in Edinburgh
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