The Best Independent Shops in Dundee

For the devoted independent shopper, Dundee offers a certain sense of charm and je ne sais quoi. The city is home to a wealth of exciting, relevant and en vogue designers who each capture the vibrancy and creative heart of Dundee in their collections and shop spaces.

Dundee’s independent culture has provided the perfect environment for creative and original enterprises to flourish. Amongst a host of video game designers, comic book artists and other creative enterprises, Dundee’s design scene includes some stunning independent clothing brands and retailers who have made a global impact on the fashion world.

Here’s a list of just some of the best independent shops in Dundee:

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Hayley Scanlan

For women’s clothing with an edge, you can do no better than Hayley Scanlan’s shop. Located on the vibrant Perth Road, this boutique is bright, light and beautiful and it honestly feels like something you would stumble across whilst in Shoreditch or LA. With multiple features in Vogue, Hayley Scanlan is one of Dundee’s most prominent and celebrated designers. She’s also a DJCAD alumnus and an official ambassador for the city of Dundee, with global recognition.

From sultry slip dresses to simple slogan tees, Hayley’s designs delicately balance soft femininity with a playful, rock ‘n’ roll edge.

A mood board inspired by Hayley's designs.

186 Perth Rd, Dundee DD1 4JS

Open Thursday-Saturday

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CARTOCON

Just across from the DCA, CARTOCON is an established fashion and menswear store selling a range of quality, high-end brands, from Saturdays NYC to Comme des Garçons. Think high-fashion men’s apparel, but with an emphasis on music, graphics and youth culture.

Inspired by old Nokia mobiles, their latest collection playfully combines CARTOCON’s own branding with Nokia’s established brand identity.

Although they only stock men’s clothes, women can size-down in their t-shirts for a relaxed, loose fit. As well as selling unisex accessories like beanies and sunglasses, the store has a varied collection of beautiful editorial and fashion magazines. Expect some really good quality threads as well as a personalised and friendly shopping experience.

129 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4DP

Open Monday-Sunday

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Abandon Ship

A treasured part of Downtown Dundee is the art-focused clothing brand Abandon Ship Apparel. It’s the only place in the city where you can grab a delicious coffee and get your hair cut whilst shopping for clothes at the same time! Earlier this summer, Abandon Ship’s Richard Davies told the story of the clothing brand at Societay’s first ever Small Talk event. You can find out the brand’s incredible story here.

These guys know their t-shirts, so if you’re looking for a slogan tee or a quirky, illustrated top then look no further. Again, it’s men’s sizing so make sure to size down for ladies. Abandon Ship also sell merchandise from stickers, to mugs and tote bags and they allow dogs in the shop too, so what’s not to like?

18 Exchange Street, Dundee DD1 3DL

Open Monday-Sunday

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Groucho’s

It’s only fitting that Scotland’s coolest city would be the home of ‘the coolest record store in Britain’. Groucho’s is one of the most renowned independent music shops in Dundee. Housing an impressively eclectic mix of vinyl, CDs, and DVDs, you’ll come across the classics here as well as some rarer, precious finds. I recently managed to find an original record of Queen’s very first album in there for £20– the perfect birthday present for a classic rock fan!

Groucho’s is an Aladdin’s cave of music and it’s very reasonably priced, as well as being the perfect place to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon. At over 40 years old, Groucho’s is still very much a treasured part of Dundee’s independent retail culture and well worth a visit.

132 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4ED

Open Monday-Sunday

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Spex Pistols

A clever pun on one of the most iconic punk rock bands of all time, Spex Pistols nods to punk’s distinctively British roots in both music and alternative fashion, whilst synthesising them fluidly in the brand. Spex Pistols is an independent optical boutique selling a range of designer, vintage and more classic frames. With a huge selection of quality glasses and frames, there are styles to suit all tastes and personalities. Founded through a love of music, the shop is frequented by local musicians and those from further afield, including The Smiths’ Johnny Marr. Now an internationally recognised brand, the shop was also featured in American Vogue’s recent guide to Dundee.

The boutique is a favoured spot amongst students and locals, and you’ll find it just along Johnston’s lane in the city’s creative and cultural quarter. Fashionable and chic down to the smallest detail, make sure to check out their Instagram for some retro polaroid shots and customer profiles.

4 Johnston's Lane, Dundee DD1 5ET

Open Monday-Saturday

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A thriving hotspot for independent shops, there are plenty of clothing and vintage stores in Dundee to suit a range of tastes. This is just a small list of some of the best independent shops in Dundee and there are so many more incredible retailers to visit:

•If you’re a big fan of sports brands, head to Arkive and Manifesto in Dundee city centre.

•Check out DCA shop at the Nethergate for unique gifts, jewellery and prints.

•For literature and music lovers, This Way Up on the Perth Road is well worth a visit.

With more independents due to open in the near future (Oh Hello Vintage, I’m looking at you), Dundee continues to be a hub for Scottish creativity, offering a unique and intimate shopping experience.

What are your favourite indie shopping spots in Dundee? Let me know in the comments below! Or you can head over to the Urban Dundee archives for more things to do in Dundee.