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13 Must-Visit Independent Boutiques in Glasgow

13 Must-Visit Independent Boutiques in Glasgow

From quirky finds to fashion-forward treasures, we’re sure you’ll find a lot more than what you’re looking for at these must-visit independent boutiques in Glasgow. So grab your tote bag and let’s dive into this jam-packed listicle!

Tam Shepherds Trick Shop

Website: https://tamshepherds.com/ 

Address: 33 Queen St, Glasgow G1 3EF, United Kingdom

Contact Information: +44 141 221 2310 / [email protected]

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday: 10AM – 5PM

Established in 1886 by the legendary Tam Shepherd, this cherished family treasure has been passed down through generations for the past 75 years. Nestled on Queen Street throughout its entire existence, this is not just a store but a timeless heritage.

More than just the nostalgia, they have an array of magic kits, board games, costumes, and other delightful offerings that cater to the whims of both the wee ones and those young at heart. 

Pro Tip:

With its extensive selection, finding what you’re looking for can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the knowledgeable and friendly staff are ready to guide you through the abundance. 

If you’re struggling to locate your desired item, simply give them a ring for expert assistance.

Relics

Website: TBA

Address: Dowanside Ln, Glasgow G12 9BZ, United Kingdom

Contact Information: +44 141 341 0007

Operating Hours:

  • Daily: 11AM – 5:30PM

As they say, “another man’s trash is another man’s treasure’, and that can’t be more true at Relics, where you can find vintage gems dating back to the 1920s. 

If you don’t mind a little dust, you’ll love the sea of antique watches, typewriters, instruments, dinnerware, and silly knick-knacks, among other fun finds.

Pro Tip:

A vintage collector’s haven, the eclectic charm of Relics is a tad haphazard so you may need to allot a few hours to fully immerse yourself in the sea of, well, relics.  immerse yourself in the sea of, well, relics. 

Mrs Mitchell’s Sweetie Shop

Website: TBA

Address: 117 Trongate, Glasgow G1 5HF, United Kingdom

Contact Information: 

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Thursday: 10AM – 5PM

Step into the nostalgic embrace of Mrs. Mitchell’s Sweetie Shop, where a journey back to your childhood awaits! 

This charming store is a haven for traditional sweets and homemade delights. They have candy balls, oddfellows, chelsea whoppers, soor plooms, lucky tatties, and homemade tablets, among other treats.

Peering through the shop window, you’ll be captivated by the sight of giant, colorful jars brimming with delicious goodies. Whether you’re a dedicated sweet tooth or on the hunt for the perfect gift, rest assured you won’t leave empty-handed.

Pro Tip:

Make sure to plan your visit to Mrs. Mitchell’s Sweetie Shop wisely, as it’s open only three days a week. Avoid the disappointment of arriving on the wrong day by checking their schedule in advance!

Voltaire and Rousseau Bookshop

Website: https://voltaireandrousseaubooks.com/ 

Address: 12 – 14 Otago Ln, Glasgow G12 8PB, United Kingdom

Contact Information: +44 141 339 1811

Operating Hours:

  • Daily: 10AM – 6PM

Prepare to plunge into a sea of books (pun intended!) at the charming Voltaire and Rousseau Bookshop. The space is overflowing with books – on tables, the floor, shelves; you name it!

With an extensive collection spanning various genres and a resident cat adding to the literary charm, making it a beloved haven for bookworms in search of rare and reasonably priced treasures.

Pro Tip:

Considering the potential dustiness, we recommend wearing a mask, especially if you’re sensitive to airborne particles.

Oaka

Website: https://www.oakasupercity.com/ 

Address: McCance Building, 130 George St, Glasgow G1 1RG, United Kingdom

Contact Information: +44 141 552 0688

Operating Hours:

  • Daily: 9AM – 8PM

Satisfy your cravings for Asian flavors without venturing far. Just take a stroll down to Oaka, the premier Asian retail supermarket located on George St. in the heart of Glasgow City Centre.

What makes Oaka truly unique is its offering of drinks and food that you can enjoy right inside the store! Think spicy tuna onigiri, Thai glass noodle salad, Taiwanese braised pork rice and more!

And for those craving something light, they’ve got you covered with a convenient hot water dispenser for your cup noodles, completing the authentic Asian store experience.

Pro Tip:

They offer halal food so be sure to ask the staff if you’re not sure which items are halal.

Osiris Clothing

Website: https://eurasiacrafts.com/ 

Address: 58 Queen St, Glasgow G1 3DS, United Kingdom

Contact Information: +44 141 204 4120

Operating Hours:

  • Monday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Tuesday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Wednesday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Thursday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Friday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Saturday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Sunday: 11AM – 5PM

Open since 1992, Osiris Clothing is legendary for all things rock, punk, and goth-related. Having been in the industry for quite a while already, they’re the favorite of both young and old as they’ve got everything from quirky band t-shirts to unique fragrances.

To boot, they’ve got great prices which makes it all the more fun to explore their little boutique teeming with gems just waiting to be uncovered.

Pro Tip:

If you can’t make it down to Osiris Clothing, you can shop their products on their website. They offer free shipping across the UK for orders above £30 and accept several payment options.

Bill’s Tool Store

Website: https://www.billstoolstore.com/ 

Address: 52-64 Bain St, Glasgow G40 2LD, United Kingdom

Contact Information: +44 141 552 1286 / [email protected]

Operating Hours:

  • Monday: 7AM – 5:30PM
  • Tuesday: 7AM – 5:30PM
  • Wednesday: 7AM – 5:30PM
  • Thursday: 7AM – 5:30PM
  • Friday: 7AM – 5:30PM
  • Saturday: 9:30AM – 4:30PM
  • Sunday: 9:30AM – 4:30PM

Bill’s Tool Store is a family-run tool retailer that’s been in the game for over 60 years, making them experts in the trade and specialists for all things tool related, whether that be hand or power tools, at competitive prices.

They’ve got a great selection of all the tools you could possibly think of, some you can’t even find in other stores, making them the go-to for many, from doting handyman husbands to DIY fanatics.

Pro Tip:

Bill’s Tool Store provides a 30-day return policy, backed by a money-back guarantee. 

Monorail Music

Website: https://monorailmusic.com/ 

Address: 12 97, Kings Court, 95 King St, Glasgow G1 5RB, United Kingdom

Contact Information: +44 141 552 9458

Operating Hours:

  • Monday: 11AM – 7PM
  • Tuesday: 11AM – 7PM
  • Wednesday: 11AM – 7PM
  • Thursday: 11AM – 7PM
  • Friday: 11AM – 7PM
  • Saturday: 11AM – 7PM
  • Sunday: 12PM – 7PM

A must-visit independent boutique for audiophiles, Monorail Music is the place to go for exclusive limited edition vinyls and signed copies, among other fab finds if you’re lucky!

It’s rare that a customer walks in empty-handed as Monorail Music has something for everyone, from new releases to cherished secondhand treasures.

So while they have quite the number of stocks, you never know when they’ll run out or if they’ve just dropped rare vinyls, which we think makes each visit even more exciting.

Pro Tip:

Monorail Music is quite hidden, located at the back of a bar and cafe.

Roots, Fruits & Flowers

Website: https://www.rootsfruitsandflowers.com/ 

Address: 455 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8HH, United Kingdom

Contact Information: +44 141 334 3530 

Operating Hours:

  • Monday: 7:30AM – 6:30PM
  • Tuesday: 7:30AM – 6:30PM
  • Wednesday: 7:30AM – 6:30PM
  • Thursday: 7:30AM – 6:30PM
  • Friday: 7:30AM – 6:30PM
  • Saturday: 7:30AM – 6PM
  • Sunday: 9AM – 6PM

Roots, Fruits & Flowers has come a long way from what it once was in the 1980s, starting out as a humble fruits and vegetable merchant by owner Garth Gulland 

From there, wholefoods and organic produce was added shortly after. Then, a delicatessen counter and a flower shop. What can we say, they’re nothing short of innovative. 

Pro Tip:

Enhancing your shopping experience, we recommend a visit to their charming cafe. Here, you’ll delight in dishes featuring locally-sourced produce and environmentally-friendly ingredients.

Locavore

Website: https://locavore.scot/ 

Address: 449 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G11 6EJ, United Kingdom

Contact Information: 

Operating Hours:

  • Monday: 8AM – 8PM
  • Tuesday: 8AM – 8PM
  • Wednesday: 8AM – 8PM
  • Thursday: 8AM – 8PM
  • Friday: 8AM – 8PM
  • Saturday: 9:30AM – 7PM
  • Sunday: 10AM – 7PM

Locavore, a visionary social enterprise, is dedicated to reshaping our food network into a more sustainable and eco-friendly model.

Explore their Govanhill shop for a delightful array of fresh, locally-sourced produce, including an organic and gluten-free range. 

Pro Tip:

Locavore has a wide selection of organic, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly options. If you’re unsure, you can check the label or ask their staff for assistance.

Geekaboo 

Media credit: puellalea

Website: https://geek-aboo.com/ 

Address: 74 Queen St, Glasgow G1 3DS, United Kingdom 

Contact Information: +44 141 221 3117 / [email protected]

Operating Hours:

  • Monday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Tuesday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Wednesday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Thursday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Friday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Saturday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Sunday: 10AM – 6PM

Welcome to Geek-a-boo, a paradise tailored for every geek’s dreams, featuring a treasure trove of tabletop games, manga, anime, movies, books, and gaming essentials. From figurines to novels, board games to clothing, they’ve got it all.

Adding an extra layer of enjoyment, indulge in themed snacks and drinks, such as Pokemon-themed soda, Kuromi-inspired tea drinks, and an array of Pocky flavors.

Pro Tip:

Given their wide selection of products, some shoppers opt to simply buy through their online store. They accept a variety of payment methods and even offer same-day shipping.

Website: https://subversiongallery.co.uk/ 

Address: 4, Ruthven Mews, 57 Ruthven Ln, Glasgow G12 9BG, United Kingdom

Contact Information: +44 141 237 5575

Operating Hours:

  • Monday: 11AM – 4:45PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: By appointment
  • Thursday: By appointment
  • Friday: 11AM – 4:45PM
  • Saturday: 11AM – 4:45PM
  • Sunday: 12PM – 4:45PM

The Subversion Gallery is a must-visit for some of the best local and international contemporary and urban art, such as paintings, prints, and sculptures.

They work with over 100 artists to showcase a unique line up of art at the West End. If that doesn’t catch your eye already, the collection includes original and limited edition pieces, ensuring each visit is a journey into the extraordinary and the exclusive

Pro Tip:

To get to Subversion Gallery, ride the train to Hillhead station. From there, it’s a 10 minute walk to the gallery.

Sunshine No.1

Website: https://sunshineno1.com/ 

Address: 1043 Cathcart Rd, Mount Florida, Glasgow G42 9AF, United Kingdom

Contact Information: +44 7547 259413

Operating Hours:

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Wednesday: 10AM – 6PM 
  • Thursday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Friday: 10AM – 6PM
  • Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
  • Sunday: 10AM – 4 PM

Sunshine No. 1 boasts an expansive collection of arts and gifts crafted by over 120 of Scotland’s talented artists and small businesses, sourced from various corners of the country since its inception in 2015.

For those who cherish supporting independent artists and one-person businesses, Sunshine No. 1 is the perfect destination. 

Pro Tip:

Despite being a little ways outside the Glasgow central business district, you can get to Sunshine No. 1 via train. 

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