How To: shop in Edinburgh

Edinburgh. The Athens of the North, Auld Reekie, the city that Paris ought to be, and where I’m proud to call my hometown.

As you step out of Waverley station, you’re greeted with an array of sights and sounds: the jagged peaks of Arthur’s Seat, the stirring sounds of the bagpipes, the hauntingly beautiful silhouette of the majestic, medieval Old Town and the shops… ALL of the shops.

Coming from a 2 month stint in the bubble to this fine city can be a little overwhelming. With all of your favourite high street stores suddenly at your feet, it’s tempting just to stick to what you know. But stray off the beaten paths of George Street and Princes Street, lose yourself in the  ancient winding alleyways of Scotland’s capital and embrace the finest that Edinburgh’s shopping has to offer.

Here’s the essential guide to Edinburgh’s own unique boutiques and shops.

New Town

Goodstead

One of my personal favourite stores in the capital, Goodstead is Scotland’s go-to for heritage brands and new street style. Think Norse Projects, Fjällräven and Fred Perry. This stylish, yet laidback shop has everything you need to add a touch of sophisticated streetwear to your wardrobe. Tucked deep on Rose Street, right next to Primark, this shop is a great find for any sneakerheads as well, with a wide range of the latest Nikes always available.

Tip: Check the sale racks, it may be last season, but it’s top quality streetwear brands at an unbeatable price.

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Jenners

Because, it’s Scotland. Jenners is practically House of Fraser, just the Scottish version, but don’t let that be any reason to put you off this majestic centrepiece of Princes’ Street. With its seemingly endless sales and wide stocking of heritage brands like Ralph Lauren, not to mention a beautiful, classic department store interior, Jenners is not to be missed.

Tip: Be sure to visit Valvona & Crolla, an Edinburgh institution, for some coffee and biscotti after your hard day’s shopping.

Old Town

Armstrongs

An Edinburgh classic with three separate locations across the city, quite frankly a shopping experience in the capital is not complete until you pay this vintage emporium a visit. Whether you’re looking for some ridiculous fancy dress or that key piece for your winter wardrobe, Armstrongs has it all, and at a relatively good price. From sixties sheepskin coats to Scots tartans, this treasure trove of a shop can engulf you for hours, as it takes you on a vintage journey to a time gone by.

Tip: Patience is a virtue, the true vintage gems may not initially leap off the shelves.

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Focus

Scotland’s premier skate shop, this niche little shop just up the street from parliament, is your go to for casual streetwear. As well as stocking a wide range of decks and skate accessories, Focus offers forward thinking skate fashion. Think Carhartt UK, The Hundreds, Nike SB. Looking for snapbacks? Look no further, Focus has without a doubt the best selection in the capital.

Tip: Freebies, an array of magazines such as Vice and The Skinny are always available at the store.

The West End

Arkangel and Felon

Located within the west end of the city, Arkangel and Felon, offers a wide range of forward-thinking fashion. Edgy yet wearable, this boutique regularly supplies Edinburgh University’s charity fashion show with some of their key pieces.

Tip: Explore around the west end, home to some of the best cocktail bars Edinburgh has to offer.

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Stockbridge

Mary’s Living and Giving

Nestled deep in the heart of Edinburgh’s charity shop centre, Stockbridge, is Mary’s Living and Giving. If you’re a reality TV junkie, you may recognize this one, as it was set up by the self-proclaimed Queen of Shops, Mary Portas. Not your average charity shop, donations come in from the likes of Lauren Laverne and Grazia. With Yves Saint Laurent and Louboutins regularly being stocked at charity shop prices, you’d be a fool to miss out on this new addition to Edinburgh’s vibrant charity shop scene.

Tip: If Charity Shopping is your scene, stay in Stockbridge, Deanhaugh street has dozens of second hand shops.

Well, there you have it, from the medieval streets of the Old Town, to the bohemian vibes of Stockbridge, Edinburgh truly does have something for everyone when it comes to shopping. Embrace the new and lose yourself in this majestic city.

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