Independent shops for Leeds shoppers

Written by Paisley Gilmour

Leeds independent hidden gems for shoppers
Independent shops in Leeds

Leeds is well known for its huge number of high street shops, shopping centres, malls and department stores. Thousands of people visit Leeds every week to peruse these shops at their leisure, but many are likely to miss the abundance of unique and boutique stores that the city has to offer. Often located just out of view from the city centre, these hidden gems could go unnoticed. There are a handful of independent confectioners, bakers, furniture stores, clothes stores and antique shops.

Here are five of the best.

All American Vintage

Situated in Leeds’ renowned Corn Exchange, All American Vintage is a vintage store with a bit of a twist. All clothes, bags, shoes and accessories are sourced directly from New York including pieces from 1940’s – 80’s. Leeds is home to a growing number of vintage and vintage re-production stores, however this one is definitely the most unique.

The ‘second-hand / recycling ethic’ amongst environmentally friendly shoppers is on the rise, as is interest in vintage fashion in general. Anyone can buy vintage re-production pieces from high street brands, but why not opt for something more unique, whilst also saving pennies and the planet?

An absolute must for bargain hunters and vintage enthusiasts alike.

Crash Records

Crash Records was established in 1985 in a tiny shop on Woodhouse Lane, and since moving to The Headrow in ’87, has played a fundamental role in establishing the local Leeds music scene. Spread out across two floors, the store is small, but boasts a broad variety of CDs, vinyl, cassettes, DVDs and merchandise.

The range of Rock/Indie and Punk/Hardcore on the ground floor is more than impressive and includes a handful of rare/limited edition vinyl. Crash Records caters for almost any music fan and is also a ticket agent for a number of venues across the UK. You can often catch well known acts performing in-store.

Radish

Radish is a unique and independent bookshop stocking music, films, art and fair trade clothes. Its three rooms house a whole range of cool and unusual items such as recycled gifts, eco-friendly furniture and handmade cards.

Book-wise, regardless of their size and affiliation with any larger bookshop, Radish stocks a vast and varied range of literature and reading materials, with emphasis on books detailing green issues, politics, cookery and gardening as well as devoting a large section of their shelves to children’s and young adults. A refreshing and unique book-buying experience in a fair trade and eco-friendly environment.

Travelling Man

The self-declared ‘comic book geeks’ at Travelling Man are on a mission to get everyone in the world to love at least one comic book. With such an excellent range of graphic novels and comic books, they make it hard to pick just one. Selling all types of graphic novel which dabble in issues ranging from religion to politics. Travelling Man really stands out as a unique comic book retailer.

They also sell playing cards, figurines and collectables, merchandise and clothing. Perfect for hardcore comic books fans, or anyone interested in a little bit of light reading. Keep an eye out for in-store for singings from various well known characters and artists.

Mki Miyuki – Zoku

Hailed as the ‘newest, freshest and most exciting addition to the Leeds fashion scene’, Mki Miyuki – Zoku is a concept store based on a group of Japanese youths who were the first to adopt and adapt the ‘Ivy League look’ in 60’s Japan. Mki stock simple, but high quality clothes from a number of up and coming and underground clothing brands. Their apparel is unique and eye-catching. Based on the look of a more underground social movement, Mki is now setting the trend in street fashion.

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