Among the cobbled streets and neoclassical architecture of Edinburgh is an exciting independent shopping scene waiting to be discovered. 

Carefully curated and collected, there’s high-end fashion, artisanal and handmade products, and local objet d’art  (and so much more) up for grabs. And you needn’t wander too far from the high street to discover these one-of-a-kind gems. 

These are our favourite concept stores in Edinburgh:

1. Restoration Yard

Just five miles outside Edinburgh within the grounds of Dalkeith Country Park lies Restoration Yard, a favourite lifestyle shopping destination for those in search of jewellery, fashion, homeware, beauty, books and food – either designed and manufactured by Restoration Yard or carefully selected from quality suppliers to fit the eclectic edit. 

2. Lifestory

Lifestory stocks Nordic favourites like HAY and Ferm Living. But while it’s a Scandi-store at heart, cocooned within its pale interiors you’ll find local designers who share the clean-cut aesthetic. On the shelves: coffee and tea (locally sourced), ceramics cushions, unisex fragrance, children’s toys, jewellery, design magazines and more.

3. Curiouser & Curiouser

Curiouser & Curiouser on Broughton Street (a road almost entirely dominated by independent shops in Edinburgh) is stocked with prints, homeware, jewellery, accessories, books, knitwear, stationery and things the kids will love – all carefully chosen with an emphasis on good design and bright colours. You’ll find works by mostly local artists, many that call Edinburgh home. 

4. Epitome

Epitome was founded on the ethos of encouraging a more considered approach to shopping, where innate style replaces trend-led fashion. This Edinburgh boutique is known for its collections of distinctive clothing by avant-garde designers, all chosen with an emphasis on timeless functional design, enduring quality and craftsmanship. Expect an innovative and inspiring shopping experience, with an eclectic mix of products on which to splurge. 

5. Paper Tiger

Stationery-lovers, Paper Tiger is your nirvana. This decades-strong independent store is famous for its design-led (and affordably priced) stationery, cards, gifts, toys and home goods from new and established UK-based artists. It’s particularly renowned for its seasonal offerings – whether its Mother’s Day, Christmas or Valentine’s Day, the products here are stylish, quirky and humorous. 

6. An Independent Zebra

For all things quirky, original, fun and colourful, you'll find a massive selection of Scottish-made homewares, furniture and gifts at An Independent Zebra in the heart of Stockbridge. This shop is packed full of accessories, prints, jewellery, magnets, greeting cards, and more. Supporting more than 125 small indie businesses from across the UK, An Independent Zebra carefully curates each piece to bring you inspiration and make you smile.

Written by Michelle Randall