Want to feel more like a Londoner? There’s no better way to go than to shop! Not in malls but in the corners of streets.
Skip the crowded places and support independently-owned shops where you can find unique and oh so creative products. From clothing to jewellery, the city has so much in store for you.
Retail therapy, you say? Yes, it is! Check out these indie boutiques in London neighbourhoods worth your time and money.
Gay’s the Word
Media Credit: gaysthewordbookshop
Website: https://www.gaystheword.co.uk/
Address: 66 Marchmont St
Contact Details: +442072787654
Operating Hours:
- Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
If you’re a bookworm, Gay’s the Word should be your first stop. This tiny bookstore is more than just a brick-and-mortar. It’s more of a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community!
You’ll immediately see the rainbow flags outside and when you go inside, you’ll see a collection of queer books. From classics to memoirs, you’ll enjoy browsing through their shelves. No worries, they are not limited to such.
They have fantasy and graphic novels as well. If it feels overwhelming, you can always ask their friendly staff. You can also purchase LGSM shirts and tote bags here!
Pro tip:
Know their event schedules, like author signings and book launches. You’ll feel even more connected with their community during these events.
Indian Summer
Media Credit: indiansummerlondon
Website: https://indiansummerlondon.com/
Address: 624C Fulham Rd
Contact Details: +442077318234
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Up for some trendy yet cute shopping? Indian Summer is the boutique you need. Thanks to Ruth Green for bringing this colourful shop to life!
We really love the interior of the shop. It’s giving a fun mood (which will really make you buy)!
In here, you’ll find different products starting from dresses and accessories. There are also toys for children and some scented candles, perfect for souvenirs. It’s a go-to place for gift hunters with lots of products to choose from.
Pro tip:
Stay updated with their newest season collection on their Instagram. This way, you can anticipate the products you want to buy before going to the store.
69b Boutique
Media Credit: 69bboutique
Website: https://69bboutique.com/
Address: 69b Broadway Market
Contact Details: +443302219116
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Time for a sustainable fashion at 69b Boutique! Head directly to the Broadway Market and you’ll see their collection of eco-conscious products to shop.
Originally, Merryn Leslie started the shop, but today Emma Bonar has taken over it. You’ll find wearables made of organic cotton as well as vegan leather, with really trendy designs. Aside from clothing, they also sell footwear, pet accessories, and homeware.
Their store is also famous for its staff giving helpful styling advice. But if you prefer shopping online, that’s totally fine too. They have a nationwide delivery service that can help.
Pro tip:
Make sure to visit both floors. The first floor includes tanks and tees. The second floor has statement jackets, shoes, and homeware.
Call Me Daisy
Media Credit: callmedaisycases
Website: https://callmedaisy.com/
Address: Upper Market Hall
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Prices:
- Starts at £15 per phone case
Ever heard of a botanical phone case? Call Me Daisy is a lady-owned shop in Camden, selling phone cases designed with flowers. Believe it or not, they started handcrafting TPU cases with dried flowers in 2016.
They have various designs to choose from. From oranges, sakura, and sunflowers, you’ll find it hard to pick! The flowers are preserved permanently using resin, so they don’t rot.
So if you’re thinking of gifting a botanical phone case to someone, make sure to visit it. Most are ready-made, but you can ask their team if they can accommodate personalised ones.
Pro tip:
Do not use alcohol-based wipes when cleaning their phone cases, as they might affect the designs.
AIDA
Media Credit: aidashoreditch
Website: https://aidashoreditch.co.uk/
Address: 133 Shoreditch High St
Contact Details: +442077392811
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:99 PM
For designer pieces, you’d better head to AIDA. It’s a Scandinavian-themed concept store in Shoreditch. It’s actually a boutique cafe where you can shop, drink, and work. Yes, their shop is remote-work friendly with free Wi-Fi.
Many shoppers love its minimalist interior with bricks and soft lighting. The shop is also proud of its products, partnered with local brands. From chill streetwear to bold coats, they have it!
People also love their less-intrusive staff. But if you want to ask them about their brands and products, they’ll happily chat with you. Shop while working sounds crazy, but it feels exciting!
Pro tip:
If you don’t like crowds, visit their shop on weekends. You can find a great spot to drink your coffee and do some calm shopping.
Labour & Wait
Media Credit: labourandwait
Website: https://labourandwait.co.uk/
Address: 85 Redchurch St
Contact Details: +442077296253
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Labour & Wait is a lifestyle-based boutique selling household tools in Shoreditch. Two menswear designers started this store in 2000 and became famous for their collection of humble tools.
You can find enamel kettles, teapots, and even aprons. They also have cleaning accessories and dishcloths. Think of what you have in your house, they’ve got it.
If you’re interested in vintage items like enamel mugs, you can also get them here.
Pro tip:
They believe in tactile interaction, so don’t be scared and take your time touching their products. This way, you can see its craftsmanship.
Gosh! Comics
Media Credit: goshcomics
Website: https://goshlondon.com/
Address: 1 Berwick St
Contact Details: +442074370187
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
With a total of 39 years of experience in selling comics, Gosh! Comics is a must-visit boutique in London. If you’re an anime or a Marvel fanatic, you’ll fall in love with their shelves here!
Some of the famous titles they have are House ofX, OnePunch Man, and Secret Wars. The titles are well-organised, making it easy to browse.
Don’t know where to start? You can ask their crews, who are also collectors and know a lot of great finds.
Pro tip:
They have a discount section, which offers great deals. Sometimes, this section also has some recommendations placed for exploring European masterpieces.
