When people picture Aberdeen, their minds often drift first to the glistening grey of its granite buildings, the salty air of the North Sea, or the lively hum of its university streets. But beneath this stone façade lies a vibrant shopping culture that surprises even seasoned travelers. For anyone with a soft spot for fashion, local craftsmanship, or simply the thrill of discovering something unique, Aberdeen offers a retail landscape that balances tradition with modernity in the most elegant way.
This is not just a city to stroll through—it’s a city to shop in. And each purchase here, whether it’s a designer piece or a handwoven tartan scarf, carries with it the story of the Granite City itself.
Union Street: The Beating Heart of Aberdeen Shopping
Every shopping journey begins on Union Street, Aberdeen’s iconic mile-long thoroughfare. Paved with granite and lined with stately Victorian architecture, Union Street feels both regal and accessible. Here, you’ll find a mix of high-street staples—global brands like Zara, H&M, and Marks & Spencer—blending seamlessly with Scottish retailers that give the street its regional flair.
The beauty of Union Street is in its rhythm. Mornings are quieter, with locals picking up essentials. Afternoons, the street transforms into a bustling retail corridor, filled with students, office workers, and visitors weaving between shops. For fashion lovers, Union Street is less about one shop than the experience of walking its length, soaking up window displays that range from chic minimalism to full-on seasonal drama.
A pro tip: look upward. The upper levels of these granite-fronted buildings often hold surprising boutiques, small vintage shops, or even tucked-away cafés where you can rest with a cappuccino before diving back into the racks.
Bon Accord & St Nicholas: Aberdeen’s Shopping Malls
When the weather nudges you indoors—or when your shopping list demands convenience—Bon Accord & St Nicholas Shopping Centres are the places to be. Connected in the heart of the city, they house a collection of over 70 stores, offering everything from fashion to beauty, lifestyle, and tech.
Here, you’ll find familiar names such as New Look, River Island, Next, and John Lewis, alongside smaller retailers. For fashion hunters, Bon Accord is a one-stop solution: you can pick up a pair of running shoes at JD Sports, a tailored dress at Phase Eight, and then indulge in luxury skincare at Jo Malone London—all under one roof.
It’s also the best place to spot seasonal pop-ups. During festival periods, local designers set up small stalls, showcasing collections you won’t find elsewhere. It’s a rare opportunity to see Scottish creativity presented beside global brands, making the centre feel like a crossroads between local identity and international trends.
The Victorian Charm of The Trinity Centre
Just a short stroll away lies the Trinity Centre, an often-overlooked gem that balances accessibility with atmosphere. Though smaller than Bon Accord, its Victorian glass roof and classic layout make it one of the city’s more charming shopping spots. It’s especially attractive for travelers looking for a quieter, less overwhelming retail experience.
Fashion-wise, Trinity leans towards essentials—think Primark for budget-friendly fashion finds, or smaller boutiques offering everyday wear. But its charm lies in being able to browse without the intensity of larger shopping complexes. It’s also home to a few hidden treasures: second-hand shops with racks of vintage coats, leather satchels, and the occasional designer gem at unbelievable prices.
Independent Boutiques: Where Aberdeen’s Style Comes Alive
If Union Street is the backbone of shopping in Aberdeen, the independent boutiques scattered around the city are its soul. This is where you discover pieces that feel personal, with designs rooted in Scottish culture and modern European flair.
Concept Store Aberdeen: A contemporary boutique where fashion meets lifestyle. Expect Scandinavian-inspired silhouettes, neutral palettes, and statement accessories. Perfect for travelers who prefer capsule wardrobes.
Haddo House Shop & Gallery: A little outside the city centre, but worth the detour. Here, you’ll find handwoven scarves, ceramics, and artisan jewelry. Each piece tells a story of Scottish craft, making it ideal for thoughtful souvenirs.
Curated Aberdeen: A collective of local makers hosted inside Bon Accord, this weekend market features stalls with handcrafted clothing, accessories, and artwork. It’s an evolving, ever-changing hub of Aberdeen’s creativity.
Shopping these boutiques is less about the transaction and more about the encounter—conversations with shop owners, learning the heritage of a textile, or discovering a one-off design that becomes a treasured part of your wardrobe.
Vintage & Thrift: Treasure Hunting in Aberdeen
For those who thrive on the thrill of a good find, Aberdeen’s vintage and thrift stores offer a different kind of shopping experience. The city has a surprisingly rich network of charity shops, vintage boutiques, and second-hand stores where patience often rewards you with unique treasures.
The Closet Vintage: Beloved by students and fashion-forward locals, this shop is packed with retro dresses, leather jackets, and quirky accessories. It’s the sort of place where browsing feels like a time capsule journey.
British Red Cross and Oxfam Shops on Union Street: Don’t underestimate these charity shops. In Aberdeen, they frequently carry high-quality coats, knitwear, and even luxury labels donated by locals.
Vintage Threads Collective: A pop-up style collective that often appears at local events, bringing together multiple vintage sellers under one roof. It’s an opportunity to score rare finds in one place.
Shopping vintage in Aberdeen adds another dimension: sustainability. In a city so tied to tradition, giving pre-loved fashion new life feels like a natural extension of its cultural heartbeat.
Scottish Flair: Tartan, Wool, and Beyond
No Aberdeen shopping guide would be complete without highlighting Scotland’s signature textiles. Tartan, wool, and cashmere are more than souvenirs—they’re wearable pieces of heritage.
The House of Tartan: Located near the centre, this boutique offers custom kilts, scarves, and accessories. Even if you’re not buying, watching tartan patterns being matched and tailored is an experience in itself.
Johnstons of Elgin: With a presence in Aberdeen, this brand is synonymous with luxury Scottish cashmere. Their pieces are timeless investments—soft, enduring, and effortlessly stylish.
Independent Wool Stalls at Markets: Seasonal markets in Aberdeen often feature stalls selling locally spun wool accessories, perfect for layering on a breezy coastal day.
These textiles aren’t just practical—they embody a sense of place. Wearing them is like carrying a part of Scotland with you, wherever your travels take you next.
Markets & Pop-Ups: Shopping the Local Way
Aberdeen also has a lively market culture, offering everything from fashion accessories to artisanal crafts.
Aberdeen Country Fair: Held monthly on Belmont Street, this market brims with local stalls. While many focus on food, several feature handmade clothing, jewelry, and accessories that blur the line between fashion and art.
Seasonal Pop-Up Shops: During festivals, independent designers often take over empty storefronts, creating temporary boutiques filled with limited-edition pieces. Stumbling upon one feels like discovering a secret.
Markets are also where you feel the city’s social side most vividly: live music, friendly chats with stallholders, and a genuine sense of community.
Combining Fashion with Food
Part of the pleasure of shopping in Aberdeen is the ability to punctuate your day with great food and drink. Chic cafés like Books and Beans or Foodstory Café offer both stylish interiors and the kind of wholesome, flavorful meals that sustain a shopping marathon. For something more indulgent, a late afternoon stop at The Esslemont Bar & Restaurant combines fine dining with a sense of occasion.
Pairing fashion with food is part of the Aberdeen lifestyle—taking time to enjoy, not rushing from store to store. Shopping becomes an experience, not just an errand.
Practical Tips for Shoppers
Timing Matters: Weekdays are less crowded, making it easier to browse. Saturdays are busier but more atmospheric, especially when markets are running.
Comfortable Shoes: Granite streets are beautiful but unforgiving. A sturdy pair of shoes makes long shopping days more enjoyable.
Look Beyond the Obvious: The best finds are often tucked away in upper floors, side streets, or market stalls. Curiosity pays off.
Support Local: While international brands are easy to fall back on, it’s the local boutiques and designers that give your Aberdeen wardrobe a story to tell.
The Fashion Code of the Granite City
Aberdeen’s shopping scene is more than retail—it’s a living reflection of the city itself. Strong and timeless like the granite that defines it, yet filled with warmth, creativity, and individuality, it speaks to both heritage and innovation. Walking down Union Street, you sense the pulse of the city: modern storefronts meeting historic architecture. Slip into a vintage boutique and you uncover treasures from another era, each piece carrying the charm of stories untold. Wrap yourself in Scottish cashmere, and you feel the craftsmanship of centuries woven into something beautifully contemporary.
Every purchase becomes more than just an item—it’s a memory, a connection, a fragment of Aberdeen’s identity. By the time you carry those bags back to your hotel, you realize the real souvenirs aren’t the clothes alone. They are the experiences, the conversations, and the spirit of a city that now travels home with you.