Traditionally a favorite with the middle-classes, John Lewis' slogan is 'Never Knowingly Undersold'. Therein lies their reputation for being reliable - if you find the same product cheaper elsewhere they will refund the difference. This is a well laid-out store which is easy to get around. There are many different brands of fashion items for all age-groups to buy here. There is also an excellent range of household products at reasonable prices. Jewelery, handbags, sports goods, toys, furniture, fabrics, clothing, luggage and other essential accessories like umbrellas can all be found here. If you're hungry, stop in to one of the cafeterias to have breakfast, tea or just a snack!
At the Gyle Shopping Centre, you can do all your shopping under one roof, which is perfect for a rainy day. From newsagents to clothes emporiums, from aisles of food at Safeway to large stores such as John Menzies and Marks & Spencer, there is an army of shops here - 63 to be precise. An added bonus is the free parking. If you like shopping centers and the well-known high street names, this is worth venturing out of the city center for.
The Victoria Street in Old Edinburgh is a well known street. It houses a lot of boutiques and shops that are a shopper's heaven. Winding through old world buildings, the street is a must-visit place for tourists as it offers a breathtaking view of the city. The buildings located at Victoria Street are architectural marvels and demonstrate a fine specimen of ancient Edinburgh craftsmanship. Do visit the various boutiques here too, or step into any of the pubs to add more fun to your visit.
Hannah Zakari is a designer boutique store in Old Town. It sells classy jewelry, art and crafts, accessories and loads of cool gift items. After selling online, it opened shop in 2010 and has become all the rage with the locals. Named after no one in particular, this store offers excellent gift ideas to many. It also offers shipping services. Do check out the collection at this store and pick up a couple of things on offer.
The Cadenhead, in operation since 1869, is one of the oldest whiskey bottlers in Scotland. They develop premium quality Scotch whiskey in their own inimitable style, with a taste, flavor and texture that is acclaimed all over the world. The shop offers a range of whiskey, some of which are rare and exclusive. There are also various whiskey-tasting events held for the uninitiated. A visit here will leave you more informed about this fine drink.
Set just off the historic Grassmarket, you'll find this invitingly atmospheric shop offering a huge range of second-hand books and musical scores. The scores mainly consist of classical and jazz favorites with the odd musical thrown in. Formerly known as the West Port Books, the store was saved from closure by William Lytle in 2006. It's the perfect sort of place to while away an afternoon browsing through the intriguing range of old and new titles: it's a bit like stepping back in time.
Set in the middle of the access-friendly Gyle Shopping Centre, M&Co is completely stuffed full of bargain rails of clothes for women and children. They also have an accessories section to match your clothes. Check website for further details.
Tucked away up the dead end of Castle Street in the center of town is this unassuming little shop full of hand-knitting and quilts made by local ladies. Every penny you spend goes to help the needy. You will find tartan knick-knacks from car blankets to toilet roll covers, knitted Highland dolls and appliquéd goodies. But the really special thing here is the range of handmade baby shawls, drawer-fulls of them, lacy and frothy confections that far surpass the mass-produced offerings of the high street.
Alchemia Studio Gallery has designed ornaments for famous personalities and renowned institutions such as Tiffany's, Edinburgh Galleries, The Birrell Collection, Glasgow Museums and the Liberty of London. It specializes in ready-to-wear as well as bespoke jewelry crafted from gemstones, precious metals and enamel. Deeply inspired by everyday life, its pieces exhibit elements such as black and golden honey bees, leafy green rings studded with emeralds and diamonds, rings depicting swirly blue waves of the ocean and pendants with diamond leaves and butterflies. Whether they use linear or fluid curves in their designs, balance, symmetry and deep symbolism are evident in their craft. In their bespoke services, you are involved in every stage of creation, from thinking of ideas and drawing to selecting gemstones and approving their mock-up pieces. Besides their own jewelry, here you can also shop for the creations of the likes of Shona Carnegie, Genna Delaney, Hannah Bedford and other respected jewelry designers.