Welcome back to The Local List.
Each week, we’re encouraging you to keep the UK’s high streets alive by buying from your local independent stores online.
This time we’re focusing on the joyful shops of Leeds.
From a kawaii hotspot to a one-stop shop for skaters, Leeds has all the shopping opportunities you could ever need.
Below, we round up some of our favourites, which you can support by shopping online now, then plan to visit once all the lockdowns are over.
Colours May Vary
This is one of the coolest independent bookshops in Leeds, with a focus on art and design publications and coffee table tomes. The shop also offers homewares and a collection of rare vintage magazines.
Where: Munro House, Duke St, LS9
Shop online at: coloursmayvary.com
Aladdin’s Cave
A family-run business for 30 years, this is the place to come for pre-loved antique jewellery. Specialising in gold and silver, it also includes diamond period pieces — yet the prices are very reasonable.
Where: 19 Queens Arcade, LS1
Shop online at aladdinscavejewellery.co.uk
Chevin Cycles
Renowned as one of the best independent cycle stores in the country, Chevin has three branches: Skipton, Harrogate and the head office in market town Otley, which contains hundreds of bikes, accessories and a dedicated women’s section.
Where: The Showrooms, Gay Ln, LS21
Shop online at: chevincycles.com
The Vinyl Whistle
What else but a record shop run by an ex-Premier League referee? Expect to find everything from rock to modern dancehall here, while it also has a penchant for indie. When lockdown lifts, check out the café out back.
Where: 12 Otley Rd, LS6
Shop online at: vinylwhistle.co.uk
Giant Kitten
There are few places to secure a plush teddy of a Nokia with a smiley face and sound but Giant Kitten, which imports pieces from Japan, is one. A must for all fans of kitsch or kawaii merch.
Where: 11 Corn Exchange, LS1
Shop online at: giant-kitten.com
Armadillo
From Schleich and Lottie Dolls to Orange Tree’s old-school wooden pieces, kids (and big kids) will have a field day at Armadillo. With more than 50 brands on the shelves, there’s something for the fussiest of children (and parents too).
Where: 112a Harrogate Rd, LS7
Shop online at: armadillotoys.co.uk
Thornton’s Arcade
This one-stop shop sells everything skaters need for their set-up plus big-name and local brand apparel.
Where:10-12 Thornton’s Arcade, LS1
Shop online at:welcomeleeds.com
Global Tribe
Purveyors of crystals, incense, tarot and oracle cards, and all manner of other mystical bits and bobs for 21 years, those at Global Tribe are passionate about provenance, selecting the majority of their crystals from source for ethical reasons.
Where: 18 Swan St, LS1
Shop online at: globalcrystals.com
All Blues Co.
Sourcing the finest classic and heritage pieces from around the world has made this men’s clothing store a hit outside Leeds.
Where: Corn Exchange, LS1
Shop online at: instagram.com/allbluesco
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