Shopping in Glasgow

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There is a real focus on shopping in Glasgow, deemed to be the largest retail centre in the UK outside of London.

In Buchanan, Sauchiehall and Argyle Street, the area is fully pedestrianised, which makes for easy shopping from store to store. But there are many centres and malls that encompass everything from fashion, lifestyle, beauty and art, and you will find one of Britain’s oldest covered shopping arcades in Glasgow, the Argyll Arcade, where the focus is firmly placed on exquisite jewellery.

This vibrant city, today, has shopping at its heart, offering an exceptional and enjoyable experience for any shopping fan. With posh boutiques and everyday familiar chain stores there is sure to be something for everyone. The main centres and malls are easily the most convenient but during your visit you should try to make time to explore smaller districts to find the more unusual antique pieces and trinkets.

If your short stay is over a weekend, then you should try to include a trip to the Barras. This is a famous, popular flea market, on Gallowgate. Many items are second-hand and some real treasures and antiques can be found among the 150 indoor stores and 1,000 outdoor traders.

Read more on this destination in the AA Key Guide to Scotland.

Top shops in Glasgow

Avalanche Records
34 Dundas Street G1 2AQ
This large, independent music store near Queen Street station stocks a wide range of new and rare, second-hand CD's and some vinyl, with the emphasis on indie, rock and punk.

Frasers
45 Buchanan Street G1 3HR
This huge department store on the corner of Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, sells fashion, cosmetics, perfume, china, glassware and the best selection of menswear in the city.

Geoffrey Kiltmakers & Weavers
309 Sauchiehall Street G2 3HW
One of Scotland's top kilt-makers and Highland dress specialists. This big store has every kind of kilt, tartan and accessory, for sale or to rent, including the exclusive fashion range, 21st Century Kilts. Made-to-measure outfits can be sent to you.

Glasgow Print Studio
22 and 25 King Street G1 5QP
The artists studio at no.22 is a fully equiped print-making workshop, with a shop at no.25. There are exhibitions of art by contemporary local and international artists throughout the year, much of which is for sale.

Soletrader
164a Buchanan Street G1 2LW
Every type of shoe you can think of on two floors, from the latest trainers to smart, designer shoes. Labels include Hugo Boss, Paul Smith, Diesel and Adidas.

Iso Glasgow Outdoor Experience
50 Couper Street G4 0DL
A great selection of outdoor equipment, clothing, books and bicycles make this one of the top outdoor stores in Britain. The 15m (49ft) rock pinnacle, waterfall and 7m (23ft) real ice wall let you try out the equipment in the environment where you are likely to use it.

The Barras
Gallowgate and London Road
The famous flea market on the poorer east side of the city is a relic of a bygone age, a gritty witty contrast to Glasgow's modern veneer of sleek shopping centres. It’s a sprawling hotpotch of sheds, stands and warehouses that looks forlorn and tattered during the week but comes to life at weekends. You'll find everything from antique furniture to fortune-tellers and counterfeit designer clothing, plus a monthly farmers' market.

Argyle Arcade
Buchanan Street G2 8BD
This elegant glass-covered shopping centre specialises in jewellery, with 30 shops selling modern and antique jewellery and other items in gold and silver

Buchanan Galleries
220 Buchanan Street G1 2FF
One of Glasgow's biggest shopping malls, with over 80 high-street stores on four levels. The quality of the stores, which include John Lewis, Next and Gap, is generally high and distinct.

Princes Square
48 Buchanan Street G1 3JX
An art deco style doorway on Buchanan Street announces this indoor shopping centre. High quality shops sell clothes, shoes and gifts.

St Enoch Shopping Centre
55 St. Enoch Square G1 4BW
A huge mall on two floors with over 80 high street stores housed in the largest glass building in europe.