Shopping, as everyone knows, is an integral part of travel, which would explain why experienced travelers consider Stockholm an international shopping Mecca. Sweden, in fact, has positioned itself as one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to design and fashion. Sweden’s designers are very innovative at finding new solutions—with ties to traditional styles and craftsmanship—that influence today’s way of living.
Gothenburg
A one-stop-shop for food, fashion and interiors, Magasinsgatan is known as Gothenburg’s urban design district. Start from the aptly-named kitchen store The Kitchen in the corner of Södra Larmgatan and Magasinsgatan and make your way up, dropping in at interior store Artilleriet, flower shop Floramor och Krukatös and furniture store Norrgavel. If you’re looking for fashion, Acne Studio and Gothenburg-based brand Velour are close by.
Once on Magasinsgatan, be sure to explore the shopping on Vallgatan, too. Here, you can find fashion by local brands such as Emma & Malena, Nudie Jeans and Twist & Tango. There are several good multi-brand stores as well. Don’t miss Vallgatan 12, a former bank now housing a café and a store for contemporary fashion and design, and Miksajo, a tiny store with a superb mix of fashion, design and lifestyle items from local and international brands such as All Blues, Costume National, Dries van Noten and Eytys.
Walk the streets of Östra Larmgatan and Södra Larmgatan from east to west if you’re looking for some high street shopping. Along Östra Larmgatan, you’ll find well-known brands such as COS, G-Star RAW and Massimo Dutti. Also don’t miss Swedish fashion brands Whyred and Weekday which both have their own stores on Södra Larmgatan.
Considered by many Gothenburg’s cosiest neighbourhood, Haga has come a long way from its roots. Its characteristic wooden houses, with a ground floor in stone, were once built as residences for the working class. Today, the main street, Haga Nygata, is lined by small, independent stores selling everything from Swedish clogs to handmade soap and design objects, such as Market 29 and Tvåla & Tvaga. Further west on Landsvägsgatan, another cross street, is another must-stop: Sintra, a gallery and store showcasing and selling small scale ceramics, glass and jewellery from local designers.
On bohemian Andra Långgatan you’ll find Sandqvist, a manufacturer of stylish and popular leather bags, and Dirty Records, where you can stop by for a coffee and buy second-hand records. Butik Kubik, just off Tredje Långgatan, sells colourful small-scale fashion and jewellery.
Stockholm
Drottninggatan in Stockholm is choc-a-bloc with small specialist shops, big stores like H&M and Zara, Swedish fashion brand stores and just about every type of retailer imaginable. Look out for Designtorget at Sergels Torg; it sells household design/functional objects mostly created by up and coming Nordic designers that you are unlikely to find anywhere else.
If you are more into high-end shopping you should really visit Biblioteksgatan, between the squares of Stureplan and Norrmalmstorg. Here you will find luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Chanel and much more. You will also find some Swedish fashion labels like Acne, Whyred, Hope and Tiger of Sweden.
NK department store on Hamngatan in the City area is where Stockholm’s well-heeled shop. Occupying four floors of one of Stockholms most imposing buildings, NK is a class act and stylishly fills its space with Swedish and international fashion, designer and household goodies, cosmetics, shoes etc. Go to the basement here for uniquely Swedish and Nordic artglass, crystalware and kitchenware.
Åhléns Stockholm City is at the intersection of Drottninggatan and Hamngatan and is one of those department stores that sells absolutely everything – from a bar of soap, to designer artglass. Åhléns is big in international and Swedish brand fashion, beauty and cosmetic products. Check out their own brand household goods for excellent quality and price.
MOOD Stockholm opened in mars 2012 and has quickly achieved a status as the natural meeting spot, both for the Stockholmers and for tourists from all over the world. In the vibrant and vivid environment you can shop, hangout and work during most hours of the day. MOOD Stockholm is quite simply an enjoyable and modern city within the city.
Mall of Scandinavia opened in November 2015 and it is the second largest mall in the Nordic countries with around 174 stores, 41 restaurants and with Swedens very first IMAX Theatre with 500 seats. You will find the very best in fashion, sports and beauty, interior design and technology all under one roof here. Mall of Scandinavia is located near the Solna commuter rail station, only two stations from Stockholm Central Station (T-Centralen) in Stockholm City and approximately seven minutes from the Stockholm city centre.