6 Best Places For Shopping In Edinburgh

Tourist treasure troves, arty gift stores, funky vintage markets, ethical urban enterprises, historic department stores and exclusive designer boutiques; Edinburgh is home to a cornucopia of innovative shops.

In the Scottish capital, independent, sustainable shopping is etiquette. There is every opportunity to sidestep the chains in favour of local makers, designers, artisans and producers. And it is a city that is a delightfully picturesque place to indulge in some retail therapy. Cobbled, winding streets provide a unique and quaint shopping experience.

# Browse Scottish and Italian fine foods at Valvona and Crolla

An emporium for edible treats, Valvona & Crolla is a local institution dating back to the 1930s. Found on Elm Row close to the Edinburgh Playhouse, the intimate deli store is run by the Crolla family – local culinary luminaries. It’s not the place for cheap ‘scran’ but offers a wide range of Scottish and international food and drink specialities. With a royal warrant for the supply of cheese to HM the Queen, you can be sure to find the best products and lip-smacking mementoes.

# Buy bespoke fashion at Totty Rocks

Famed as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s go-to clothing brand, this all-Scottish fashion label boasts a notably individual style from designers Lynsey Blackburn and Holly Mitchell. The brand sells high-end garments from its boutique in the affluent area of Bruntsfield and has other celebrity fans including Kate Moss, Sandi Thom and Gok Wan. Its signature piece is the Totty Rocks Mac, made to measure in a variety of colours.

# Pick up luxe stationery at Paper Tiger

The vibe at Paper Tiger is cool and arty but very approachable. It’s been in business since 1981, established in the New Town (and later, with another shop on Lothian Road) by retail entrepreneur John Johnson. Showcasing Lothian-based artists and designers, the store stocks creative cards, stylish stationery, journals, imaginative gifts, toys, wrap and a full range of official Tintin merchandise.

# Experience retail history at Jenners

One of the world’s oldest department stores, Jenners was founded by a linen draper in 1838 and dubbed the ‘Harrods of the North’. It gained a royal warrant in 1911 and is housed in a grand, A-listed building on Princes Street – the city’s epicentre for high-street shopping. Bought by House of Fraser in 2005, Jenners retains its original character and Scottish credentials. It’s worth visiting for its Victorian architecture, atrium gallery and top-floor views, as well as the huge range of quality named and locally designed products.

# Purchase superior souvenirs at Cranachan and Crowdie

Avoid the tourist tat and purchase sustainable, original souvenirs at Cranachan and Crowdie on Canongate. An Aladdin’s cave for authentic gifts, the traditional shop is named after two delectable native dishes. There are products to suit all budgets, including popular shortbread boxes and elaborate homewares crafted from whisky barrels and porridge spurtles based on 15th-century cooking tools. The friendly staff offer a personal service with frequent food and drink tastings. There’s an adorable resident dog, too.

# Help the local community by spending at The Edinburgh Remakery

Upcycled furniture and one-off handmade homewares can be found at the award-winning Edinburgh Remakery in the vibrant neighbourhood of Leith. Here, items dodge landfill to be remade and recycled, while disadvantaged members of the community have the opportunity to learn hands-on skills. Its hyperlocal ethical shopping meets social enterprise, with an array of unique and on-trend items available at affordable prices.