The Culture Trip Guide To Shopping In the Grassmarket Area
Courtesy Of Tori Chalmers
Stepping into the Grassmarket is like stepping into a market place from times past. The cobbled streets are straight out of a fairytale and the vibe from jovial passers-by is contagious. Have a browse through our guide to the best spots for shopping in Edinburgh’s glorious Grassmarket area.
Walker Slater
Walker Slater is up there with the best when it comes to tweed and high calibre suits. In particular, they focus on the British block of suits — a very fitted cut with high sleeves and a high waist. The Brits are all about creating the longest leg possible (as opposed to the traditional suit, which is typically rather boxy). For finishing flair, take your pick from a vast selection of dapper bow ties.
Museum Context can only be described as a place of dreams. Literally. Look above and see the most fascinating mobiles of planets. Gaze to the side and see giant plane propellers. Stare ahead and become transfixed by the most stunning collection of antique globes and intriguing magnifying glasses. It is all in there. When it comes to finding that timeless and unique piece for the home, Museum Context is a cabinet of curiousity tailored to those who like antique and classic pieces without the dust or tackiness.
Scotland is a cashmere lover’s Eden, and Hawico offers an impressive range of colours and cuts to bring cashmere into the contemporary fashion scene. If you want to add a little piece of Scotland to your wardrobe, this is the place to go.
The Cambridge Satchel Company are masters of leather and have successfully brought a historic British shape into the 21st Century. Founded by a dynamic mother-daughter duo, the brand has skyrocketed from humble beginnings into a multi-million pound company. All bags are 100% leather – durable and versatile, these bags are a smart investment.
Who doesn’t want a cutout fox or squirrel that can be made into a cool and crafty ornament? The Red Door Gallery is the definition of hip. It houses a fantastic collection of art prints from over 100 illustrators. In fact, they have more prints than you know what to do with. Choose from screen-prints to giclee to digital. Look in the display cases dotted around and appreciate the beauty of the unique handcrafted jewelry. Basically, if you need a present for someone (and yourself), The Red Door is it.
From kilts to leather bomber jackets, costume jewelry, scarves, blazers, vintage dresses and more denim than James Dean’s wardrobe, we advise you put aside a few hours for your visit to Armstrongs. Edinburgh natives will most likely agree that it is the best vintage store out there, and as you walk out with a bag full of bargains, you’ll find it hard to disagree.
Mr Wood’s Fossils is probably the coolest shop in all of Edinburgh. Consider it a playground for archaeologists, dinosaur enthusiasts, and geologists alike. Looking for a 96 million year old raptor claw? Perhaps a 15 million year old shark tooth would be more suiting? Make everyone green with envy and start your own cabinet of curiosity filled with fossils and precious gems galore. Prepare to be besotted with a rock from Mars, sea urchin fossils, topaz from Brazil, or sectioned ammonite (to name a few).
A fancy candle is one of life’s guilty pleasures. Walking into the Isle of Skye Candle Company is like walking into a treasure trove of soothing sights and pleasing scents. These luxurious candles are made from renewable raw materials from sustainable sources, so no need to feel guilty — just start stocking up! The aromas are perfectly mastered and the presentation is on point. From heather and wild berries to Highland gorse and Scottish bluebell, The Scottish Collection is particularly appealing.
