Tartan plays a big part in Hector Russell and whether it's a tartan teddy, hip flask, pen or kilt…read moreyou're looking for, you've come to the right place. I noticed a rather fetching tweed jacket on a recent scout around and in comparison to other tourist shops in Edinburgh, Hector Russell is aimed more at selling clothing, and good quality clothes at that. Real wool, cashmere and other top quality materials are used in the products here and all produced in Scotland, of course. I can definitely recommend the tartan woollen scarves that they sell. I bought one last year. I refer to it affectionately as "the woollen" and it's kept me toasty ever since.

I was quite grateful to head in to a Scottish tourist shop that wasn't overwhelmingly packed! It's…read moretowards the end of Princes Street, so my theory is that most tourists have lost steam before they can make it there. It's not unlike any of the others; you can get souvenirs, whisky, tartan covered items and shortbread in any shape your heart desires. However, it is slightly classier, and I don't recall any annoying bag pipe music. It is significantly smaller than many of the other stores up the street, so it's only really lacking in variety.

Fan shop in the st James center. It has a number of floors for clothing, homeware, appliances and…read morekitchens, bedding and soft furnishings, furniture.

John Lewis is the anchor tenant of the St James Quarter shopping centre, it's my favourite…read moredepartment store in Edinburgh city centre, down to its' location, as well as being a large, modern department store with a good range of products in all categories, other than food, which is quite minimal. It's over six floors, which extends past the mall, however, it does have multiple entrances on the mall level, do be warned that you won't be able to use the same lift for all floors, for some reason to get to the higher floors, you need to change lifts, or use the escalator, not a big deal, but this isn't well signposted, and it's easy to get lost. I did like the look and feel of the store, the technology section was huge and had everything from phones to laptops and TVs, while also having an Apple section, the area overall was much nicer and more modern than other technology sections in other John Lewis stores, so a big plus. The upper level has nice views of the Edinburgh Old Town. Other facilities inside the store include a Cafe as well as a selection of men's and women's clothes, fragrances and accessories, there's even an Optician's. A very big and very good department store to serve the Scottish capital.

When I want a nice pair of shoes, Schuh is my go to place. I am a big fan of some of the brands…read morethey stick and my pink Hush Puppies shoes are the best shoes I have ever owned, in fact I regret not buying 2 pairs! I was in Schuh recently looking for a pair of everyday trainers, and obviously they came up trumps with some new balance lovelies. What impressed me most though was after I tried them on and said I'd take them, the shop assistant asked if I was paying cash or card. When I said card he went to get the mobile card machine and I paid there and then without having to get into the queue at the tills. A very clever touch, and one I haven't seen anywhere before. Well done Schuh, your customer service continues to be excellent.

I love Schuh, it's is easily the best shoe shop in Edinburgh. Situated in a massive premises on…read moreFrederick St, they have a huge selection of delightful offerings for both men and women. Asides from stocking a lot of high profile labels (Adidas, Irregular Choice, Red or Dead, Ugg etc), they also have their own brand which successfully copies the latest trends, but retails for a cheaper price. There are always lots of helpful staff wondering around eager to help you on your quest to find the perfect pair and because the shop is so large, you can always find a seat in which to try things on. The student discount (10% off) and generous returns policy (you have 365, yes 365, days in which to change your mind) make this place a winner.

I am only being slightly dramatic when I say that this boutique changed my life - it's lovely and…read morecool and hip and cute. The best shop I stepped into while in the UK. Everything seems so specially chosen - the aesthetic is perfectly curated and original. I bought several souvenirs and really enjoyed just looking at each item they had on display. The jewelry is beautiful and the patches/pins are perfect gifts to bring home to friends and family.

A great shop! It has watches, jewelry, prints, bags,…read moreanything you could want if you are looking for a unique gift (for yourself OR someone else). I was also impressed by the range of prices, many indie shops stick to one price range but there was everything here from inexpensive and fun acrylics to much more 'cher' pieces. It will be my first stop when I want to impress out of town friends that think Edinburgh is all tourist shops and historical monuments (not that those are bad either!)

I was so surprised to find Elaine's vintage offerings peeking out of this street in Stock Bridge. I…read morehad never heard of this place - probably because it doesn't bend over backwards to sell itself to the commercial, niche market for retro clothing. So stumbling upon it became even more of a treat! Specialising in era's up to the 70s, you get the impression Elaine seeks out only the best garments. In pristine condition, there is a good selection of mod dresses, tea party frocks, pinny's, bags and lovely shirts for guys. As Cheryl said the woman who owns the store is incredibly complimentary, making her a great saleswoman as you simply can't resist buying something. After hearing a number of good things about the 60s floral print skirt I tried on, I had to buy it! It just had to be done. Every item of clothing in here is in fantastic condition and the owner certainly knows her stuff. The designs she chooses to stock are everlasting, timeless classics to fit in wardrobes of all generations. Marching to the beat of its own drum, Elaine's is truly a wonderful wee vintage emporium.

Here's the deal: this shop really caught me off guard. I didn't go out looking for a 1950's skirt…read more But, heck, I'm sitting at home wearing one, writing this review. I used to really like shopping for vintage clothes. Then I kind of went off it. It's an expensive hobby and there's a lot of shops out there with unjustifiably high prices. And, truth be told, some of it isn't very nice, regardless of its age. I think this is something that vintage traders forget. So, it can be a little bit pretentious, the vintage malarkey. I hadn't said goodbye to vintage shopping; rather just a 'see ya a little more infrequently' since fewer items were catching my eye. So, today, this little shop stands out to me simply because I can't see a name on the shopfront. I had to satisfy my curiosity. I had to go in. And then, I see it: a beautiful, puffy, polkadot skirt; the kind of skirt I've dreamt about. I touch it, and the polkadots are velvety soft; a delight. Elaine prompted me to try it on, sharing with me that it was a genuine 1950's piece. I simply could not say no. I've only fallen in love with an item of clothing like this just once before and that was a floor length Frank Usher fringed dress from Mr Ben's in Glasgow. And, of course, you already know I bought the skirt. It's a beauty and Elaine made me feel a million dollars, as I popped out to give her a twirl. She insisted I let her see, after I'd feared it was too small for me. I'm so glad that it fit perfectly. I love it. The price was reasonable and one I was happy to pay for a genuine vintage piece. You'd easily pay the same for a new Topshop skirt but, of course, you'd leave without that super feeling that comes with shopping local. And I just love how unassuming Elaine's is. - What a gem of a shop!

I'm really wavering between 2 and 3 stars. Let me explain…read more Location is excellent on Princes Street in Edinburgh. The store seemed to be well stocked but it was a mess! I've seen this before in other UO stores, but this was extreme. The Staff also seemed to care less that we were in the store. On the plus side, my daughters found a few good deals in the sales racks. My take away is that if you have time and are willing to look yourself for items you desire- this store would be for you. Not bad - just meh.

Nice clothing, but I was horrified with the employees behavior. They screamed at me for wanting to…read morehelp my daughter get off her jeans as she was having trouble, then an employee screamed at me and told me to "get out of the bloody changing room" which she could have nicely told me to excuse myself because it was 1 person only. Then I proceeded to get nasty glares from the other staff at the checkout, this made me quite upset with the situation. Then at the checkout I asked if they had the item of clothing in a small and they replied with " no, you clearly see it's not on the shelf can't you". I found this comment quite rude as I had already been through quite a lot in this store on princess street. Then I asked for the employees name and they rudely responded with " if you saw the person then you should have asked at the time for their name , shouldn't you have? Which I was quite shocked at. so if I got this employees name I would have wrote it on here but unfortunately they were so rude I couldn't even get that! Overall my experience wasn't good because of this and I wouldn't recommend going at all.

WOW!!! I drove past…read morethis shop on my way to Inverness, and I had to park to go and have a closer look. It was so f***ing cool!! It is a charity shop for save the children, but completely unlike all the others I've been in before. I felt like I was in the gift shop of an art gallery, everything is kitsch and retro, and the colours are amazing. The whole shop is decorated brilliantly and it looks like something out of the movies. Upon further investigation, I found out that the shop is owned by TV retail advisor and Save the Children Ambassador, Mary Portas, and it is infact a designer charity shop. I didn't know you could get them! I plan to spend an awful lot more time in here.

In agreement with Emily, I did a swift double take when I saw this place!…read more Towering above its neighbours in a gorgeous old building, Mary's Living and Giving looks more like a pretty boutique than it does a charity shop. Essentially, it is - boasting secondhand designer clothing and accessories, it's got some chic and often retro offerings. So you can get a snazzy outfit for a dinner party at an absolute steal of a price! With its creaky, varnished floorboards and warm lighting, it feels as though you're in Monsoon rather than in a charity establishment. The pictures toward the back of the shop remind you of who you are helping, however, making finding a bargain in Mary's an ethical choice! Gok Wan would be all about it!

When I first crept into the graveyard a couple of years back, I nearly wet my pants at how exciting…read morethis tiny little crypt of a shop is! It sells all sorts of creepy curiosities, supernatural ornaments and a selection of books. I don't know if I got caught up in the atmosphere and expected to be met with a chalk faced ghoul, but the shop assistant is actually really bright and friendly! Not to mention informative. Its small size and ramshackle appearance makes this place utterly delightful....if you like graveyards and oddities. Which as it so happens, I do. Small, unique, and worth popping in to speak to the assistant if you're wanting a tip off on the ghost tours. Go on, I dare you!

Located in the most haunted graveyard of Edinburgh, this shop sure sells overpriced souvenirs. It's…read morethe stuff that would appeal to small kids or work perfectly as a joke, but to be fair most of the stuff you buy here will loose their novelty quickly and end up either at your local charity or at the back of your shelves. Basically, they are creepy and gory stuff you find in most "scary" gift shops around the city, from plastic gooey eyeballs to witch puppets and spooky stories of Edinburgh. And there sure are plenty of stories! The shop is certainly wee, and the staff are friendly enough, if not terribly bored to be surrounded by this gimmicky stuff. What works is that if you are after something along the lines I described above, then it all seems to be congregated in this one room just at the entrance of the graveyard.

This place is amazing. They have a great selection of skin care products that you can't find in the…read moreUS. My husband ran out of deodorant and we purchased a similar type for a fraction of the pricr. I got some travel fragrances from Ted Baker super cheap and my husband had been looking at some cologne by Chanel and Jimmy Choo which was much less expensive here. One even came with a travel bag gift with purchase. My back was killing me from a long flight, a few different ferry rides, and some uncomfortable hotel beds and the pharmacist was a great source. She recommended some muscle relaxers and some gels for my back. Also things you can't get in the US. I wish we had these types of stores here in the states.

The British health and beauty retailer/ pharmacy chain operates in the United Kingdom. Boots…read moreequivalent in the states would be Walgreens. The store was big and had a variety of items. I went in looking for a hairbrush and got what I needed.

A charity shop is only as good as what is donated to it. Therefore this shop must recieve some…read morepretty good donations. I always find myself walking by and being drawn to something in the window. For instance, we bought season 1,2,3 and 4 of 24 on DVD in perfect condition from here. The price? £24! Yes we paid £24 for 24. Haha. Seemed like someone had watched it once and then donated it. How could you do that to Jack Buar? Watch him once and then discard him after everything he has done... But then I'm not complaining because it was a great bargain for me. And it makes it so much better to be helping a charity at the same time. Seriously if you are in the area, all the charity shops on Dalry Road are worth a look because there is some fantastic bargains on offer.

This Dalry Road branch of Shelter is somewhat small and as it's located right beside a busy bus…read morestop it can get a bit of a push to make your way in and out but it's definitely worth a browse. It's well equipped with a good selection of goodies including; -Clothing -CD's -DVD's -Toys second hand and a small selection of brand new accessories -Bric-a-brac. Definitely worth a look, especially if you like browsing round charity shops as they have a great selection here.