Great Independent Shops in Edinburgh 2025

As a small business owner myself I will always support and recommend independent shops and businesses.

This is my list of quirky and cool independent shops to visit whilst in Edinburgh. The list contains gift shops, books stores, foodie boutiques and clothing shops that are worthy of a visit. You'll see that a few of them are on Leith Walk (it is Edinburgh’s longest street) and centrally located.

Vintage Armstrongs Edinburgh (various locations)

W. Armstrong & Son is an Edinburgh institution and has been bang in the heart of the city since 1840.

Now they are well established as one of the UK’s oldest and most loved vintage clothing stores. This is the place to visit if you are looking for one of a kind pieces, and have a large selection of vintage clothes from all past eras. They stock clothing, shoes and accessories from the swinging 60's to the bohemian 70's through to the 1990’s grunge style.

They have 4 stores across Edinburgh - they can be found on Clerk Street, Cockburn Street, Grassmarket and Teviot Place. My favourite is probably the Grassmarket store as they have a lot of different accessories.

IJ Mellis Cheeses (various locations)

Purveyors of fine farmhouse and artisan scottish cheeses, Mellis Cheesemongers have now been trading for over 25 years, bringing together producers and consumers.

Aside from their artisan cheese they also sell deli items such as handmade pies, Scotch eggs, sausage rolls and freshly baked bread. If you want to create your dream cheese board then IJ Mellis have everything you’ll need.

Usually if I have a food lover on my walking tours I recommend they try the “Auld Reekie”, cheese, partly due to is name (Auld Reekie is the nickname for Edinburgh) but also because this smoky cheese from the Cairngorms is delicious.

The cheesemonger can also create gift boxes which can be ordered online. I always find the are very friendly and helpful and if you're looking for something in particular they can help.

They have 3 stores in Edinburgh - one on Victoria Street, one in Stockbridge and one on Morningside Road.

Logan Malloch, Leith Walk

Situated at the foot of Leith Walk, Logan Malloch is a modern independent Leith based retail shop. The store stocks locally made goods from artwork prints, candles, jewellery, books, ceramics and textiles. I particular like their stationery and greetings card selection.

All of the items are carefully curated and if you are looking for a unique modern Scottish gift then make sure you head down for a visit. More specifically if you’re after a Leith based gift, they have you covered.

The shop also has a wide range of home wares - hand carved wooden spoons, ceramic hanging baskets and pottery.

You can visit in store or online (gift cards are also available) .

Red Door Gallery, Victoria Street

Located on beautiful Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Red Door Gallery is a hub of creativity for the visual arts and proudly supports the work of over 150 artists.

They have an extensive collection of artwork, textiles, jewellery, stationery and greetings cards. If you are looking for an Edinburgh scene or illustration to take home, this is the shop for you. The window displays are always so colourful and eye-catching and if you do walk down Victoria Street be sure to look out for their brightly painted red door.

The shop can suit a range of budgets and you can definitely find something for under £10.

You can visit in store or online.

Assai Records, Grindlay Street

Situated near the west end of Princes Street, this record shop is the perfect place to head to on the weekend.

These vinyl specialists sell a huge range of records from new releases to classics. They stock a range of music genres, including Assai exclusives, hip-hop, RnB and a collection of Scottish artists.

They also sell record players, turntables (they also sell their own branded ones), music t-shirts, books and other merchandise. On Record Store Day #RSD25 they run events and special edition releases. Their list for 2025 is extensive and you should probably start a wish list now. You can keep up-to-date on their social media.

Assai also runs a points scheme, which is worth looking into if you are a regular vinyl collector.

You can visit them in store or online.

Argonaut Books, Leith Walk

Positioned at the foot of Leith Walk and next door to aforementioned Logan Malloch is Argonaut Books.

This is a relatively new edition to Edinburgh, but this bookshop has a good range of horror, sci-fi and queer books. I always make a beeline for their cookery and recipe books which are always unique and make great coffee table books.

In the corner they also have a colourful children's book section, I make sure to check this section out for gift ideas. They also stock zines and graphic novels.

They are a community bookshop and frequently have events and book clubs. They have about four tables where you can sit and enjoy a pot of tea whilst diving into your new book.

Babyfaced Baker, Leith Walk & Portobello High St.

Babyfaced Baker on Leith Walk is a female run business that offer delicious handmade cookies and baked goods. In their window display you'll spot perfectly made cinnamon buns, croissants, stuffed cookies and more. They also serve decent coffee to take away. What I like about this place is the variety they offer every week, they serve a good balance of sweet & savoury delights. Their selection of vegan items is also worthy of mentioning.

I would highly recommend getting there earlyand they are open from Thursday to Sunday. You can follow their social media here to check their daily offerings.

Blackmoon Botanica, Candlemaker Row

Just a stones throw away from Greyfriars Kirkyard is an independent witchy shop on the historic Candlemaker Row.

This magical shop are expert purveyors of esoteric and occult goods. If you're after a spell kit, essential oil or some Samhain ritual kits then they have you covered.

The shop is quite small, but there is a lot to look through, especially all the trinkets of wax melts, gothic Victorian greetings cards and tarot cards. They are particulary popular around Halloween.

Blackmoon also has a great range of interesting books, zines and journals. If you have an interest in modern witchcraft, herbal medicine and incantations then check them out.