Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket and surrounding streets have claimed the top spot on a list of the UK’s best places for independent shops, beating districts in York, Brighton, and London.
Shoppers looking for a unique retail experience often search out historic districts that stand apart from corporate chains. In a recent survey carried out by analysts at JDM Retail to find the best high street in the UK, the Scottish capital’s Old Town district emerged as the absolute winner. The evaluation graded various areas across categories such as business longevity, diversity of offer, independent representation, and occupier quality.
Beating Iconic UK Shopping Districts
The Grassmarket area—which includes surrounding streets like Victoria Street and Candlemaker Row—managed to outrank several celebrated independent shopping districts across the country. Competitors on the list included York’s Shambles, Brighton’s The Lanes, Manchester’s Northern Quarter, and London’s Soho. According to the findings, the Edinburgh winning zone scored the highest specifically for business longevity.
Visitors strolling through the area encounter shops selling local skincare, fashion brands, books, cheese, and whisky. Well-known local landmarks include Mary’s Milk Bar, which has previously been named the best ice cream shop in the UK, and W. Armstrongs & Son vintage clothing, a business operating for nearly 200 years that originally launched in the nearby Cowgate before expanding to four locations across the city.
The Fight Against Clone Towns
Jonathan De Mello, chief executive of JDM Retail, noted that independent shops bring necessary variety to modern commerce.
“It is independent retailing that adds colour and difference to a location, and the top high streets on this list are the very antithesis of the ‘clone towns’ we so often see up and down the UK.”
Jonathan De Mello, Chief Executive of JDM Retail
Further commentary from a JDM Retail spokesperson emphasized that independent businesses perform best when they cluster together. Rather than fighting directly with major retail, these dense groupings create destinations that complement prime commercial areas.
Local Perspectives from the Old Town
Workers on the ground see the daily impact of this independent retail ecosystem. Imogen Barr, a 27-year-old employee at the Isle of Skye Candle Company in West Bow, highlighted the distinct atmosphere created by local enterprise.
“It makes a difference that it’s independent shops and Scottish businesses [in this area]—it gives it a more local feel.”
Imogen Barr, Isle of Skye Candle Company
Her colleague, 21-year-old Keely Washington, pointed out that the tight-knit community of shop workers provides mutual support through demanding work schedules in the bustling tourist hotspot.
The Complete National Top Ten
The comprehensive survey mapped out retail performance across multiple regions, establishing a clear picture of top-tier independent shopping localities.
- Grassmarket, Edinburgh
- High Street, Shrewsbury
- Shambles, York
- Devonshire Quarter, Sheffield
- Soho, London West End
- The Lanes, Brighton
- Fisherton Street, Salisbury
- Church Street, Inverness
- Ropewalks, Liverpool
- George Street, Perth
These ten locations collectively represent the highest standard of independent retail excellence and regional commercial success across the surveyed areas.
