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20 of the Best Shopping Spots in Scotland

20 of the Best Shopping Spots in Scotland

| Last Updated: November 2023

Do you know what time it is? It’s time to shop ‘til you drop, whether it’s for the latest clothes, sturdy footwear, fancy trinkets, or local souvenirs.

We’ve handpicked the best shopping spots in Scotland, providing curated options for every budget and preference. Browse through all of them below to start your retail adventure!

1. Silverburn

Best For: Fashionable clothes

Website: https://www.shopsilverburn.com/

Facebook: Shop Silverburn

Address: Barrhead Rd, Glasgow, G53 6AG, UK

Contact details: +44 141 880 3200

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 10 AM – 9 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM – 7 PM
  • Sunday – 10 AM – 7 PM

With over 100 retail stores, various restaurants and cafes, Silverburn is one of the biggest shopping centres in Scotland that’s over a million square feet in size. We also appreciate their free parking since other places charge for parking space.

This store is suitable for families with their furry buddies since it’s quite spacious and filled with many options for you to eat and buy whichever you desire. Some of our favourites include Auntie Anne’s, Five Guys, Zara, and H&M.

Pro tip:

You can bring your kids to Fun Street where different soft play options are fully accessible, even for those with special needs. There’s even a role-play area with experienced staff who’ll help look after your little munchkins!

2. Clarks

Best For: Adult and kids footwear

Website: https://www.clarks.co.uk/

Facebook: Clarks Shoes

Address: 81 Princes St, Edinburgh, EH2 2ER, UK

Contact details: +44 131 220 1261 

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9 AM – 7 PM
  • Sunday – 10 AM – 7 PM

Clarks is a famous footwear chain founded in 1825 that’s originally based in Somerset, England. Now, it can be found in different parts of Scotland, including Edinburgh, Perth and Glasgow. 

Whether it’s a pair of sturdy boots or awesome trainers, you can find various styles and colours in this shop. They also cater to both adults and kids, and they have a reliable size chart in their stores.

Pro tip:

Although their shoes are in a higher price range, do watch out for amazing deals yearly. We signed up on their website, and we received lots of discount offers via email, so you should sign up, too!

3. Border Reader Bookshop

Best For: Secondhand books

Facebook: The Border Reader Bookshop

Address: St Boswells Scottish Borders, Melrose, Roxburghshire, TD6 9DF, UK

Contact details: +44 183 582 4597

Operating hours: 10:30 AM – 5 PM daily

If you’re looking for a quaint shop that sells secondhand books, the Border Reader Bookshop located in the Scottish Borders is a great choice. It’s a small dairy farmhouse that has a good selection of books – from classics to contemporary favourites.

They also sell different books on various academic subjects including history and philosophy. As a bonus, there’s a small cafe inside the place where you can have a light meal of a toasted sandwich, chips, and salad for a reasonable price.

Pro tip:

Apart from visiting the bookshop, we recommend you take a walk outside and explore the nearby lush woodlands that overlook the glistening River Tweed. 

You can even drop by the Old Melrose Interpretation Centre to learn more about Melrose Abbey while you’re here.

4. Loch Lomond Shores

Best For: High-end fashion

Website: http://www.lochlomondshores.com/

Facebook: Loch Lomond Shores

Address: Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, G83 8QL, UK

Contact details: +44 138 975 1031

Operating hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM daily

With its beautiful lochside location, Loch Lomond Shores is a perfect place to shop, try different activities like boat tours and watersports, and eat good food. Plus, it showcases events throughout the year like their monthly markets and drinking festivals.

The different stores found in this centre include the large Frasers Department Store, the famous Sports Direct shop, and the family-friendly brand, Hawkshead among others.

Pro tip:

Before or after you shop – whichever floats your boat – do visit other attractions in the area like the Bird of Prey Outlet, Adventure Park, and Sea Life Centre.

We suggest you pre-book your tickets through your phone rather than wait in long queues, so you can get in easily and make better use of your time.

5. Primark

Best For: Affordable clothes, accessories and homeware

Website: https://www.primark.com/en-gb

Facebook: Primark

Address: 91-93 Princes St, Edinburgh, EH2 2ER, UK

Contact details: +44 131 226 3443

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM – 9 PM 
  • Saturday – 8:30 AM – 8 PM
  • Sunday – 9 AM – 7 PM

Primark’s biggest branch is found in Edinburgh’s Princes Street boasting a colossal five floors filled with all the clothes, accessories, and homeware you need at a fair price. 

They also have a cafe where you can lounge for a bit after doing a little retail therapy with a lovely view of Edinburgh Castle. Apart from Edinburgh, you can also find Primark in Glasgow and Dunfermline.

Pro tip:

The espresso is one of their best beverages in the cafe if you need a pick-me-up. You can also find phone charging stations around the area.

A little heads-up though, there are no toilets in the cafe.

6. Caledonia Park

Best For: High-end clothes and shoe brands

Website: https://caledoniapark.com/

Facebook: Caledonia Park

Address: Glasgow Rd, Gretna, DG16 5GG, UK

Contact details: +44 146 133 9028

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9 AM – 6 PM
  • Sunday – 10 AM – 6 PM

Caledonia Park in Gretna is an outlet shopping location with over 45 different stores. You can explore various high-end brands here, such as Polo Ralph Lauren, BOSS, and Kate Spade New York at a fairly better price – up to a 60% discount!

It’s an easily accessible location from the motorway with a free parking space. What’s more, they have a Paws For A Break corner where our furry friends can buy their clothes, get first aid, and stay hydrated with the dog water bowls available on-site.

Pro tip:

If you need a wheelchair, go directly to the tourist information centre so they can provide one for you.
Another thing, when you go to the main car park, make sure to keep an eye out for potholes since there are a few of them in the area. If you’re not comfortable parking there, you can find other options near the main one, so drive around a little bit to find the best spot.

7. Grasshopper Toy Shop

Best For: Kids’ toys and gifts

Website: https://curiousminds.co.uk/

Facebook: Grasshopper Toys

Address: 112 W Princes St, Helensburgh, G84 8XD, UK

Contact details: +44 143 667 0806

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9 AM – 5 PM
  • Sunday – 10 AM – 4 PM

Even without real grasshoppers, the Grasshopper Toy Shop in Helensburgh will make you and your kids hop with joy as you explore and discover delightful toys and games.

It’s one of the country’s biggest toy stores with a vast range of exciting items like LEGO, Brio, Meccano, and more. They also showcase different products that are perfect gifts for curious minds such as books, musical toys, and art materials.

Pro tip:

If you’re bringing along your little ones, do visit the shop in December. They have a Letter From Santa service and a delightful Santa Grotto that’ll put them in a jolly mood.

8. Nike Factory Store

Best For: Footwear and sports apparel

Website: https://www.nike.com/ph/retail/s/glasgow-strathkelvin-nike-factory-store

Facebook: Nike Factory Store (Glasgow, Crosshill Rd)

Address: Unit 8, Crosshill Rd, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, G64 2TS, UK

Contact details: +44 141 772 2034

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 9 AM – 8 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM – 6 PM
  • Sunday – 10 AM – 6 PM

Nike is described as the world’s largest athletic apparel company that’s known for its high-quality footwear and sports apparel. This famous brand can be found in their large factory store in Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, which offers the best prices!

You’ll find the latest shoes for both men, women, and kids here. Not just limited to footwear, this treasure trove also offers a wide range of trendy sportswear and top-notch equipment for various sports like track, basketball, and soccer.

Pro tip:

Come to the store at the first opening hour to have more time to shop. Usually, when there are many people around, you’ll have to queue outside for a bit before being allowed to go inside. 

9. Braehead Shopping Centre

Best For: Clothes, food and entertainment

Website: https://www.braehead.co.uk/

Facebook: Braehead Centre

Address: King’s Inch Rd, Renfrew, G51 4BN, UK

Contact details: +44 141 885 1441

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 10 AM – 9 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Sunday – 10 AM – 6 PM

Recognised as the number one shopping centre in Scotland by Global Data, Braehead has more than 100 stores including well-known brands like MAC, H&M, and IKEA. It’s also home to several fast food chains such as McDonalds and Subway.

The fun doesn’t end after shopping and dining. You can catch a movie at their cinema, which boasts 12 screens, or ski at their amazing indoor snow slope.

Pro tip:

Check their website often since they have various events throughout the year, such as a summer festival in July and Film and Comic Con in the same month. Your kids may even want to meet Chase from Paw Patrol, who’s all suited up by TheToyShop.com.

As a bonus, you don’t need to worry about parking since there are lots of spaces available, and it’s free!

10. Tartan Treats

Best For: Candy and gifts

Website: https://tartan-treats.com/

Facebook: Tartan Treats Scotland

Address: Edwards Wynd, Edinburgh, UK

Contact details: +44 785 193 3397

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 10 AM – 6 PM
  • Saturday – 10 AM – 12:30 PM 
  • Sunday – closed

Found in the heart of the capital city, Tartan Treats has all of the Scottish candies, treats, and gifts that we need. Their best-sellers are their Scottish ‘Scran’ box, the Wee ‘Bru’ box, and Taste of Tunnock’s Box with various sweets inside.

They also offer Christmas-themed delights like an Irn Bru Box and homemade Scottish tablet. Aside from catering to locals, they also ship their goods to the United States.

Pro tip:

If you’re planning to buy treats for someone’s birthday, make sure to mention this when you order. The shop can happily add confetti to make the gift more memorable.
Thankfully, they release all orders within 48 to 72 hours so you’ll receive them as soon as possible. However, we highly encourage you to order in advance so that you won’t have to worry about delays – better safe than sorry!

11. Princes Square Shopping Centre

Best For: Designer clothes and jewellery

Website: https://www.princessquare.co.uk/

Facebook: Princes Square

Address: 48 Buchanan St, Glasgow, G1 3JN, UK

Contact details: +44 141 221 0324

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9 AM – 12 AM
  • Sunday – 10 AM – 12 AM

Princes Square is a stunning 19th-century five-floor glass-covered building that was once voted Scotland’s Favorite Building through a public vote in 2016. It was awarded

by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) during its festival.

Strategically located in the heart of Glasgow City Centre, this is a premier shopping destination for locals who love high-end brands like COS, Kate Spade, and the White Collection. It also has various food, drink, and entertainment choices for us.

Pro tip:

Apart from the Everyman Cinema, we recommend dropping by the Oor Willie trail, which is filled with various statues and photos that are perfect for children. Even the young at heart will enjoy this!
Also, those with a sweet tooth shouldn’t miss a visit to the Hotel Chocolat for their decadent treats that no local can ever resist. They’re mainly popular for their Everything H Box, a bundle filled with milk, dark, and white chocolates.

Best For: Custom Jewellery

Website: https://sheilafleet.com/

Facebook: Sheila Fleet Jewellery

Address: Sheila Fleet Jewellery, The Workshop, Tankerness, Orkney, KW17 2QT, UK

Contact details: +44 185 686 1203

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Sunday – 11 AM – 5 PM

Found in the northern tip of Scotland, Sheila Fleet Kirk Gallery & Café is one of the country’s leading jewellery designers. Whether it’s gold, silver, or platinum, they have a variety of pieces that suit your preferences – perfect for any occasion.

But, they’re mostly known for their ornate designs that showcase the owner’s hometown, particularly their floral and ocean-themed collections. The best part is that their gold jewellery costs less than £500.

Pro tip:

If you’re done shopping, take the time to unwind a bit like we did and visit their café. We had their Orkney platter for lunch which stuffed us to the brim.
You might also like their crab roll, cheese platter, or hassle-back potatoes, which are popular among most visitors.

13. Strichen Antiques

Best For: Antiques

Website: https://www.strichenantiques.co.uk/

Facebook: Strichen Antiques

Address: Opp, White House Hotel, 52 High St, Strichen, Fraserburgh, AB43 6SR, UK

Contact details: +44 177 163 7818

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – closed
  • Friday to Sunday – 10 AM – 5 PM

For all those who love vintage items, Strichen Antiques is one of the best places to shop your heart out. They have a massive collection of jewellery, vases, pieces of furniture, and more that withstood the test of time.

This family-run business also offers personalised service to all clients, so make an appointment to have a one-to-one consultation. Although their physical store in Fraserburgh is open thrice a week, you can also shop online for your convenience.

Pro tip:

If you’re shopping for furniture, we suggest you go to their new branch in New Pitsligo since they have more options there.

14. Bill Baber Knitwear

Best For: Designer clothes

Website: https://billbaber.com/

Facebook: Bill Baber Knitwear

Address: 66 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JR, UK

Contact details: +44 131 225 3249

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Sunday – 11 AM – 4 PM

Established in 1977, Bill Baber Knitwear is a popular shop that produces the finest Scottish knitwear with great attention to detail. The founders, Helen and Bill Baber, design the collections themselves, which are mostly for women.

We simply adore their vast selection of clothing items – from shawls to linen tops – that are ideal for any season. You can find their biggest store at 66 Grassmarket, but you can preview their latest displays online, too.

Pro tip:

During your shopping spree, spare some time to see the team in action as they knit, steam press, wash, or hand sew their knitted garments.

15. Glasgow Fort

Best For: Trendy clothes

Website: https://www.glasgowfort.com/

Facebook: Glasgow Fort

Address: Junction 10, M8, Glasgow, G34 9DL, UK

Contact details: +44 141 771 7777

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 10 AM – 10 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM – 7 PM
  • Sunday – 10 AM – 6 PM

With over 100 retail stores like Zara and TopShop, Glasgow Fort is one of the best shopping stops in Scotland. It also has lots of restaurants like Nando’s and TGI Fridays, along with a Vue cinema and 2,500 free parking spaces.

If you need to charge your electric vehicles, there are charging stations on the ground floor of the shopping centre’s car park, ready to juice up your eco-friendly wheels. 

Pro tip:

We suggest you drop by the famous Wagamama branch in this shopping centre, which is famous for its chicken katsu curry. It usually has long queues, but it’ll only take a few minutes of waiting until you get seated.

16. Fort Kinnaird

Best For: Trendy clothes and footwear

Website: https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Facebook: Fort Kinnaird

Address: 32, Fleming House, Newcraighall, Edinburgh, EH15 3RD, UK

Contact details: +44 131 669 9090

Operating hours: 9 AM – 9 PM daily

Fort Kinnaird, which we simply call the ‘Fort,’ is a large retail park in Newcraighall that’s known as the second largest one in the entire UK. It opened in 1989 and has over 70 stores, including our go-to faves like Next, Primark, and Marks and Spencer.

They also have several restaurants and cafes like Pizza Hut and Starbucks if you need a quick refuel in between shopping sprees. Apart from buying clothes, you can also shop for kitchenware or visit the Fort’s nifty gift shops and cosy bookstores.

Pro tip:

We recommend Chiquitos as a food stop in the Fort with their delicious halloumi burger and five-star service.

17. Anta Scotland Ltd.

Best For: Home goods

Website: https://www.anta.co.uk/

Facebook: ANTA Scotland

Address: Fearn, Tain, IV20 1XW, UK

Contact details: +44 186 283 2477

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM – 5 PM
  • Sunday – 10 AM – 5 PM

Since 1984, Anta has been a well-known Scottish brand that started with a fateful encounter by co-founders, Annie and Lachlan Stewart. They first met at an art college in Edinburgh and now have various creations inspired by local landscapes and seasons.

The store sells different home goods including carpet rugs, mugs, and bowls. If you want to infuse your ensemble with a distinct Scottish flair, they also have stylish bags and accessories for sale.

Pro tip:

You should sign up for their newsletter to get exclusive offers like we did. Also, purchasing directly on their website can give you up to 60% discount, especially if there’s a sale.

18. Ocean Terminal

Best For: Trendy clothes

Website: https://www.oceanterminal.com/

Facebook: Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre

Address: 74 Ocean Dr, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ, UK

Contact details: +44 131 475 9400

Operating hours:

  • Monday – 10 AM – 6 PM
  • Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM – 8 PM
  • Saturday – 10 AM – 7 PM
  • Sunday – 11 AM – 6 PM

Although its name sounds misleading, make no mistake in thinking that Ocean Terminal refers to an actual port because it’s actually a shopping centre in Edinburgh. It was opened in 2001 and has grown to accommodate 85 stores and restaurants today.

Apart from shopping for clothes for the family, this centre has a lovely waterfront view if you dine in any of the restaurants inside like Nando’s, Ocean Bar, and Pizza Express. There’s also a beach nearby if you’re itching for a soak.

Pro tip:

To make the most of your visit to Ocean Terminal, ride the Royal Yacht Britannia to tour the area. Its ticketing office and gift shop are found on the first floor of the mall.
A little warning though, dogs are not allowed inside the facility.

19. New Hopetoun Gardens

Best For: Garden plants and souvenirs

Website: https://www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk/

Facebook: New Hopetoun Gardens – Edinburgh

Address: A904 Newton, Broxburn, EH52 6QZ, UK

Contact details: +44 150 683 4433

Operating hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily

If you’re into a more low-key kind of shopping, it’s best to go to the New Hopetoun Gardens where they’ve got the best garden plant finds and souvenirs for us. The staff will gladly help you out if you need any expert advice on taking care of plants at home.

Plus, the gardens offer different classes like painting and drawing that would provide you with a cool artistic break from all the hustle and bustle.

Pro tip:

Drop by their Orangery Tearoom for some delightful treats. We’re a personal fan of their delectable scones, which we love to enjoy with a cup of latte while lounging on the terrace during a sunny day.

20. McCallum Bagpipes & Ayrshire Kilt Shop

Best For: Kilts and bagpipes

Website: https://www.ayrshirekiltshop.com/

Facebook: McCallum Bagpipes Ltd

Address: Moorfield Industrial Estate, Troon Rd, Kilmarnock, KA2 0BA, UK

Contact details: +44 156 352 7002

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 9 AM – 5 PM
  • Friday – 9 AM – 2:45 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM – 1 PM
  • Sunday – closed

When it comes to shopping for kilts and bagpipes, look no further because McCallum Bagpipes & Ayrshire Kilt Shop in Kilmarnock is the best choice. It’s a local favourite because of the high-quality materials and equipment they use.

The staff will gladly answer any of your queries, especially if there’s anything you’re unfamiliar with. You can even get a tour of their factory to see their people at work as they create the finest products in the country.

Pro tip:

For a factory tour, you should allot about an hour to get a good look around the place. What’s cool is that there’s no need for reservations – just visit their factory within their opening times and request this service.

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