Global Major Cities Guide

Unique, independent stores offering specialized or artisanal products, from clothing to locally made crafts.

Sections

1. Types of Boutiques and Specialty Shops in Uppsala

Uppsala’s shopping scene is characterized by its focus on quality, craftsmanship, and local culture. Here are the main types of shops you’ll find:

a. Fashion Boutiques

Independent Designers: Uppsala is home to several small boutiques featuring Swedish and Scandinavian designers. These shops often focus on minimalist, functional, and sustainable fashion, which is a hallmark of Scandinavian style.
- Example: By Engberg (located in central Uppsala) offers high-quality, timeless clothing and accessories.
Vintage and Second-Hand Shops: Sustainable shopping is popular in Sweden, and Uppsala has several vintage stores where you can find unique, pre-loved clothing.
- Example: Erikshjälpen Second Hand and Myrorna are great for affordable, one-of-a-kind finds.

b. Specialty Food Shops

Cheese and Delicatessen: Uppsala has specialty food shops offering locally produced cheeses, cured meats, and other delicacies.
- Example: Ostboden is a must-visit for cheese lovers, offering a wide selection of Swedish and international cheeses.
Chocolate and Confectionery: For those with a sweet tooth, Uppsala has artisanal chocolate shops.
- Example: Chokladverkstan specializes in handmade chocolates and pralines.
Local Produce: Visit Saluhallen Uppsala, a food market with stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods, and regional specialties.

c. Home Decor and Handicrafts

Swedish Design: Uppsala has several shops dedicated to Scandinavian interior design, known for its clean lines and functionality.
- Example: Granit and Lagerhaus offer stylish and practical home goods.
Handmade Crafts: Look for shops selling traditional Swedish handicrafts, such as Dala horses, textiles, and ceramics.
- Example: Uppsala Slöjd & Hantverk showcases locally made crafts.

d. Bookstores and Stationery

Uppsala is a university city, so it’s no surprise that it has excellent bookstores and specialty shops for book lovers.
- Example: The English Bookshop is a cozy store with a wide selection of English-language books.
- Example: Akademibokhandeln is a larger chain offering books, stationery, and gifts.

e. Specialty Shops for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Sweden’s love for nature is reflected in Uppsala’s outdoor gear shops.
- Example: Naturkompaniet offers high-quality outdoor clothing and equipment for hiking, camping, and other activities.

f. Art Galleries and Shops

Uppsala has several galleries and shops where you can purchase artwork, prints, and photography by local artists.
- Example: Galleri London features contemporary art and design.

2. Unique or Local Specialties

When shopping in Uppsala, keep an eye out for these local specialties:

Swedish Crystal and Glassware: Sweden is famous for its glassmaking tradition, and you can find beautiful pieces in specialty shops.
Traditional Swedish Textiles: Look for handwoven tablecloths, runners, and other textiles with traditional patterns.
Lingonberry and Cloudberry Products: These iconic Swedish berries are often sold as jams, syrups, or dried snacks.
Fika Essentials: Uppsala’s shops often sell items related to the Swedish coffee break culture, such as coffee blends, cinnamon buns, and fika-themed gifts.

3. Price Ranges

Fashion Boutiques: Prices vary depending on the brand and designer. Expect to pay around 500–2,000 SEK for clothing items in independent boutiques.
Specialty Food Shops: Artisanal chocolates and cheeses typically range from 50–300 SEK, depending on the quantity and quality.
Home Decor and Handicrafts: Smaller items like ceramics or textiles can cost 200–1,000 SEK, while larger pieces like furniture may exceed 5,000 SEK.
Books and Stationery: Books are generally priced between 100–300 SEK, while stationery items range from 50–200 SEK.

4. Shopping Procedures and Etiquette

Payment Methods: Sweden is largely cashless, so be prepared to pay with a credit or debit card. Mobile payment apps like Swish are also widely used.
Tax-Free Shopping: Non-EU visitors can claim a VAT refund on purchases over 200 SEK. Ask for a tax-free form at the shop and present it at the airport when leaving Sweden.
Opening Hours: Most shops in Uppsala are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, with shorter hours on weekends. Some smaller boutiques may close earlier, so plan accordingly.
Try Before You Buy: In clothing boutiques, it’s common to try on items before purchasing. Changing rooms are usually available.
Sustainability Focus: Many shops in Uppsala emphasize sustainability. Bring your own reusable shopping bag, as plastic bags often come with a fee.

5. Cultural and Practical Considerations

Politeness: Swedes value politeness and personal space. Greet shop staff with a friendly “Hej” (hello) when entering and thank them with “Tack” (thank you) when leaving.
No Bargaining: Haggling is not customary in Sweden. Prices are fixed, even in smaller boutiques.
Seasonal Sales: Look out for sales during January (post-Christmas) and July (summer sales), when you can find significant discounts.
Eco-Friendly Shopping: Many shops in Uppsala focus on eco-friendly and sustainable products. Look for labels like “Ekologisk” (organic) or “Hållbar” (sustainable).

6. Recommended Shopping Areas in Uppsala

City Center (Centrum): The heart of Uppsala is home to a mix of high-street stores, boutiques, and specialty shops. Stroll along Svartbäcksgatan and Kungsängsgatan for a variety of options.
Saluhallen Uppsala: This indoor market is perfect for food lovers looking for local delicacies and artisanal products.
Fyristorg Market: On Saturdays, this outdoor market near the Fyris River offers fresh produce, flowers, and handmade goods.
Gränbystaden: A shopping mall located slightly outside the city center, featuring a mix of Swedish and international brands.

7. Insider Tips

Plan for Fika: Many shops have nearby cafés where you can enjoy a fika break. Try a cinnamon bun (kanelbulle) or cardamom bun (kardemummabulle) with your coffee.
Seasonal Items: During the Christmas season, look for traditional Swedish decorations, such as straw goats (Julbock) and advent candles.
Student Discounts: Uppsala is a university town, so some shops may offer discounts to students with valid ID.

By exploring Uppsala’s boutiques and specialty shops, you’ll not only find unique items but also gain a deeper appreciation for Swedish culture and craftsmanship. Happy shopping!