Independents’ Day UK: Where to Shop Local in Newcastle

Fashion

Fashionistas who like to shop local are in luck because Newcastle is home to a healthy handful of independent clothing stores, selling everything from the latest trends to vintage threads.

Family-run business Leaf Clothing has been dressing fashion-conscious Geordies since 1978. “Classics with a twist” is their specialty and they stock an exclusive number of items from brands including MAC Jeans, Scotch & Soda, Vilagallo and Dea Kudibal. There’s no online shopping at Leaf either – they’re all about meeting their customers in person and helping them find their next outfit.

High Bridge hotspot Union Clothing has a similarly long tenure in the Toon, having first set up shop in 1987. Denim is their bedrock, but shoppers will also find everything from jackets and polo shirts to boots and beanie hats – by brands like Carharrt, Edwins and Dickies – at this menswear mecca.

Grainger Market store Tender Hooligan is part of Newcastle’s thriving vintage scene and specialises in pre-loved British subculture fashion – think mods, skinheads and casuals. Here you’ll find a team passionate about alternative threads and items from the likes of Fred Perry, Dr. Martens, Pretty Green and Ben Sherman.

If it’s a sharp suit you’re after, then Mr Munro is the place to head. No matter the occasion – a wedding or work, a prom or a black-tie affair – the Mr Munro team have a suit to, well, suit. They sell shoes and accessories too and they’ve got suits available to hire. Make sure to book ahead though – it’s open by appointment only.

Another great independent vintage store is Friday Vintage, where lovers of retro fashion can shop ‘til they drop for items from the 1950s to the 1990s. There’s a special focus on styles from the 1970s, so if you’re looking to assemble an authentic boho-chic outfit, Friday Vintage should be on your radar.

Gifts

On the hunt for a special gift for a loved one? Look no further than these fantastic independent gift shops in Newcastle city centre.

Located in Eldon Square, The Geordie Witch is a treasure trove of all things mystical and magical. Not only is it home to one of the largest collections of crystals in the UK, it also sells everything from jewellery and candles to tarot cards and witchcraft books – perfect for spooky souls!

Geordie Gifts, meanwhile, is a Grainger Market favourite ideal for shoppers looking for something full of local flavour. They stock all kinds of gifts – homeware, pet wear, stationary, cards, mugs and more – all with a uniquely Geordie slant, because who doesn’t need a “Shy Bairns Get Nowt” fridge magnet in their life?

Specialising in sporting memorabilia – fanzines, signed shirts, badges and books and the like – The Back Page has been doing business on St. Andrew’s Street for over 20 years and now boasts a second Newcastle store in Eldon Square. Newcastle United features heavily, naturally, but there’s also merch from football clubs across the globes and plenty of other sports represented including rugby and cricket.

For ceramics, jewellery and other gorgeous gifts, you can’t go wrong with a trip to The Craftshop in Newcastle Arts Centre – it’s not only independently owned, but supports the work of creative makers from across the country too. Pick up a decorative one-off pot from Newcastle’s own Fire Dig Pottery or a gorgeous contemporary piece from County Durham’s Elizabeth Chamberlain Jewellery.

Grainger Market’s Fantastic Toys describes itself as a “vintage and modern toy shop and museum” and we won’t disagree with that! They’ve got everything from car and plane models to collectible figures and with retro properties like ThunderCats, Gremlins and Godzilla represented, Fantastic Toys is the ideal destination to shop for gifts for your favourite geek!

Fitness

Think fitness gear is limited to the realm of big brand names? Well, that’s not the case in Newcastle thanks to this trio of independent sport stores.

Start Fitness is a local success story established in 1991 by two running enthusiasts. Its flagship store on Newcastle’s Market Street will appeal to all kinds of fitness fanatics thanks to its wide range of stock that includes footwear, clothing, bikes and gym equipment – plus much, much more.

As its name suggests, running equipment is Northern Runner’s game. Whether you’re into fell running, trail running, road running or ultra running, their expert team of active runners can kit you out in world-class brands ranging from Inov-8 and RonHill to Mizuno and Altra.

If you’re hitting the gym something fierce then you might want to swing by Sport Freak on Fenkle Street for some fitness supplements. They’ve got protein powders, vitamins, ready-to-drink shakes and more, plus accessories like weightlifting belts, resistance bands and yoga mats.

Music

Vinyl collectors will be happy to learn that’s there a handful of amazing indie record stores in the Toon as well.

Old George Yard gem RPM Music is one of the city’s longest-running record stores and has been supplying local vinyl fans with limited releases, second-hand sounds and record rarities for nigh on 40 years. They also sell refurbished vintage record players and audio furniture – just in case you want to go the whole retro hog while browsing their records!

No matter what your musical tastes are – punk, K-pop, reggae, dance or anything in between – Reflex Records has something to suit in its massive vinyl collection. Better yet, if you can’t find the record you’re looking for, the Reflex team are happy to try and source it for you too.

Proudly independent and truly passionate about music, Vinyl Guru is home to tens of thousands of new and pre-owned records spanning all sorts of genres and they sell plenty of vinyl accessories too – record dividers, sleeves and cleaning fluid included.

A mecca for any vinyl enthusiasts, Beatdown Records has been trading since 2006 and has you covered whether you’re shopping for new releases, classics or limited editions. They boast one of the biggest second-hand vinyl collections in the North East too.

Food & Drink

Grainger Market has been a common theme so far, so it should come as no surprise that it’s home to plenty of independent food and drink stores too.

Fans of fromage will want to check out Matthew’s Cheese, Newcastle’s number one cheesemonger. From locally made cheese like Doddington Dairy’s Admiral Collingwood to fromage from across the globe – plus chutneys, jams and crackers – it’s heaven for cheese lovers.

Over the other side of Grainger Market, you’ll find La Casa Delicatessen, a charming little stall set up by two expats from La Mancha selling authentic Spanish eats and treats. Pick up some Iberico chorizo, Manzanilla olives, Manchego cheese and a hearty Spanish red wine for a tapas feast that’ll remind you of warmer climes in no time.

Grainger Market fishmonger Lindsay Bros has been in business since 1936, so they must be doing something right! The majority of its seafood is bought locally in North Shields and they sell everything from shrimp and scallops to salmon and lemon sole – perfect for pescatarians!

Just a hop, skip and a jump away is the Firebrick Brewery Bottle Shop, the Grainger Market outlet of the award-winning Blaydon brewery. It’s packed to the rafters with Firebrick beers and many are delightfully Geordie-themed – try the Toon Broon, the Tyne 9, the Wey-Aye IPA and even a Stottie Pale Ale.

Away from Grainger Market, Asian supermarket HiYou is home to a gold mine for goods from China, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand. They’ve got everything you’ll need to cook up an authentic Asian feast – from fresh veg, meat and tofu to condiments, sauces and spices – plus more instant ramen than you can shake a stick at, just in case you can’t be bothered to cook!

From fashion boutiques and foodie favourites to record stores and gift shops, there are so many opportunities to shop local in Newcastle so let’s embrace the spirit of Independents’ Day UK and show our support for the city’s fantastic indie businesses.

Main image: Leaf Clothing

Want to be in the know about everything that’s happening in Newcastle city centre? Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.