Södermalm – Local tips (shopping)

This shop is a delight for the eye. Just popping in makes me happy, all those colours and creative crafts; and the best part is that it’s all fair trade! This is the best place for shopping presents!

The first shop opened already in 1967 but was taken over by six textile designers from Konstfack in 2003. They work with 30 different countries, get new products regularly and some by season; right now there’re lots of scarves and colourful pillows in stripes.

Check out the really cool recycled stuff like the frames, water-jugs and furniture.

The idea behind Afroart is to create new jobs for local craftsmen from developing countries (lots of cooperation with Bangladesh for example) and to adapt traditional crafts to the western market.

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Afroart | Shopping | Woollen Mittens SEK 235.00
Hornsgatan 58 | Södermalm | +4686425095
Mon – Fri 10:30 – 18:30, Sat 11:00 – 16:00, Sun 12:00 – 16:00

What did vintage lovers do before Beyond Retro? Of course there have been several second hand shops in Stockholm before, but nothing quite measures up to this London original that now keeps shop on Åsögatan.

From the outside you only see a garage type door and a rack of less interesting clothes on sale. That makes it the more exciting to walk down the ramp and look at the world opening up before you.

There is no point in mentioning that they have skirts and shoes and jackets – all second hand shops do. What makes Beyond Retro special is that they always manage to get such cool stuff. It’s almost impossible to come here and not fall in love with a retro dress or a cute blouse.

And on top of the every day wear, they carry items for those special occasions – like a ball or a masquerade. It’s one of those places where you want to try on the craziest stuff with your friends, show it off and laugh yourself silly like the main characters in so many corny movies do.

Since the shop also exists in London, the web site is in Swedish and English. Big plus!

There is a second Stockholm store, even bigger than the first one with 500 square meters, on Drottninggatan 77 between metro stops T-Centralen and Odenplan. And in the middle of April Beyond Retro has announced they are opening a third one close to metro Zinkensdam on Brännkyrkagatan 8.

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Beyond Retro | Shopping | Vintage 80’s dress SEK 199.00
Åsögatan 144 | Södermalm | +4686413642
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 18:00, Sun 11:00 – 17:00

This little shop on Skånegatan sells everything you don’t need. And it’s fabulous. It’s colourful, kitchy and plastic.

This is the place you go to if you want to buy a Jesus-candle, a Ganesh-picture, a plastic mat or a small table with flowers. It’s perfect if your taste is more more is more than less is more. And the place to buy gifts to someone who has everything already.

So if you are on a mission to find a gift for someone and don’t really know what you are looking for, you’re mostly sure to find something here. Or something you yourself don’t need, but want. Like I always do when I come here. My mission is to buy a gift for someone, but end up with something for myself instead.

Even if you’re not buying anything it’s worth a visit. It’s like a small kitch-museum that most surely will put you in a good mood. I’m pretty sure not many people can resist the colour feast in this shop.

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Coctail | Shopping
Skånegatan 71 | Södermalm | +4686420740
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 18:00, Sat 11:00 – 16:00, Sun 12:00 – 16:00

Sweden makes the best sweets in the world. That’s my firm opinion. Sure, the Belgians have their chocolate, but we have our Swedish fish (jelly fish in different flavours and colours) that we export to the Americans. Amongst others.

At Godislagret they claim to have 200 different kinds of sweets. They have, of course, Swedish fish, salty liquorice (only liked by Swedes and Dutch, but worth trying), chocolate, lollies, fudge and so on. I have never counted if they really do have 200 different sorts, I just have to take their words for it. When you have found your favourites you pick your own bag and pay by weight.

Even if I see myself as a fairly open minded person that like to try new things ever now and then, I tend to go for the same sweets every time. But if I would like to try something new, this is the place to go to. So you don’t have to be a kid to like a good candy store.

Sometimes I take detour passed this shop just to fill up my sweets storage at home. I use the extra walk to get here as an excuse to buy more than I actually want.

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Godislagret | Shopping, Snacks | Candy (100gr) SEK 7.90
Skånegatan 47 | Södermalm | +4686409871
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 21:00, Sun 11:00 – 21:00

This is THE store for vegetarian food in Stockholm. It’s a small but packed shop with everything you’d need. Almost all products are organic and many of them fair-trade as well. Vegetables, tofu, cookies, washing powder, diapers… They even sell organic dog food.

Goodstore received ”Guldråttan” (the Golden Rat) year 2009, a price given out each year to places/people who have worked exceptionally well in the field of animal rights. Good work Goodstore!

Goodstore’s goal is to have Sweden’s widest selection of vegetarian goods. The prices could be lower, but it’s totally worth buying food here; it’s healthy, tasty and you’re supporting a good cause.

I just realized that you can buy the organic soda Bionade here, hurrah!

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Goodstore | Shopping | Tofu SEK 17.00
Skånegatan 92 | Södermalm | +4686414036
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 20:00, Sat 11:00 – 18:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

Every time I go to Grandpa I get a homey feeling that is a bit unusual when entering design clothing stores. This mainly arises from the cozy home-like retro decoration as well as the extremely friendly personnel which I have consistently encountered here over the years.

Grandpa is mainly a fashion store that has a very good mix of Swedish and other International brands like April 77, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, Kuyichi, Whyred and Won Hundred. But besides the clothes one can also find furniture, decoration (such as porcelain tigers), gadgets and movies.

There’s often a DJ playing music and on the last Thursday of each month the Södermalm’s store is opened until 9pm (SoFo Night) and wine is offered to their customers. In the Fridhemsplan’s store there is both a café as well as a bigger furniture section, including new and second-hand products.

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Grandpa | Shopping | Jeans SEK 1000.00
Södermannagatan 21 | Södermalm | +4686436080
Mon – Fri 11:30 – 18:30, Sat 11:30 – 17:00, Sun 12:00 – 16:00

Tired of mainstream books and conventional stuff? Interested in feminism, LGBT/Queer-questions and want to see things from a different perspective? Then this is the bookstore for you!

It’s pink, full of books, papers, movies, clothes, zines, all kinds of kitschy stuff and more. All their movies are in English and lots of their books as well, like their less square children’s books about rainbow families.

On the second floor they have lots of movies, comics, sex toys and second-hand books.

Hallongrottan wants to keep you updated of all queer things and activities going on. You can sign up for their newsletter and get information straight away. They also have their own TV show on the local network and the internet, they invite authors, have lectures of all sorts, show movies and plenty more.

So, sit down by the window, have a cookie (for free) and dive into a book!

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Hallongrottan | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks | Book SEK 200.00
Bergsundsgatan 25 | Södermalm | +4686581320
Tue – Fri 12:00 – 19:00, Sat – Sun 12:00 – 17:00

There are very rare occasions when I wish I were a man. Or the only time I wish that is when I visit Kocksgatan 17 Herrekipering. This is definitely one of the nicest shops in Stockholm. The interior decorators have done a great job making it very personal and welcoming.

The shop opened about a year ago and it is quite obvious that they didn’t want just another clothing shop in Stockholm. They wanted something special. And something exclusive.

The clothes at Kocksgatan 17 are all from well known, quite expensive, brands. Good quality and fashionable seem to be the key words. But it’s not over trendy, more basic clothes with a twist.

For me, as a fairly small woman, there is basically nothing I can wear from this shop. It wouldn’t fit me very well so I have to make up other excuses for coming here. Like dressing my father or I just drag my friends here to shop for their husbands or boyfriends. And while they shop, I just hang out in of the sofas and enjoy the atmosphere.

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Kocksgatan 17 | Shopping
Kocksgatan 17 | Södermalm | +46840815014
Mon – Fri 11:30 -18:30, Sat 11:30 – 17:00, Sun 12:00 – 16:00

I love this shop. You feel a little bit like Alice in Wonderland when you walk down the narrow hall with walls covered with magazines, furniture and old dolls and end up in a room stuffed with wonderful first and second hand things from the 40s to the 70s.

Usually there’s a bit of a disorder here, I personally love the chaotic feeling to it and hope it will always remain like this with boxes just laying there, full of yet undiscovered stuff… But last time I was there the shoes stood in order and the boxes where gone. I’m sure it’ll get chaotic soon enough though!

This place has everything; shoes, jackets, bags, records, jewellery, colourful plastic kitchenware, hats, lots of nice dresses, shirts, lamps, belts etc.

Strolling around is a true pleasure.

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Modern Retro Vintage Store | Shopping | Bag SEK 200.00
Wollmar Yxkullsgata 9 | Södermalm | +4686407292
Mon – Fri 12:00 – 18:00, Sat 12:00 – 16:00

A couple of years ago someone came up with the nickname for the Eastern area of Södermalm, Sofo. This area is south of Folkungagatan (A square with Folkungagatan-Götgatan-Renstiernasgata-Ringvägen as borders), hence the name Sofo. Ridiculous said some, brilliant said some.

Anyway, this area is packed with small shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. And the last Thursday every month they make a big happening in the area – Sofo night. During this evening the shops stay open until 21:00 or 22:00. Some shops give you a complimentary glass of wine or bear. You don’t even have to buy anything to get your glass. But you might have to ask for it. Or you miss it, like me and my friend. Strange. Some shops have special discounts these nights too.

But most of all are people out on the streets enjoying the positive vibe Sofo nights give. It really brings more life to the area and make it different and a bit more special than other areas in Stockholm. Sofo is quite lively the rest of the month too, but this adds to it.

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Sofo night | Shopping
Area south of Folkungagatan | Södermalm
Last Thursday every month until 21:00

So what makes this Second Hand shop special? First of all it’s a really light and well organised shop and the people working here are really sweet and helpful.

Second of all they have a pleasant Re-make Department where they give old fabric new life. Check out the corner with cute re-made shirts, dresses and pillows.

And last but not least, Stadsmissionen is a humanitarian organisation which focuses on helping homeless people. Their Second Hand shops are part of their social work.

There are 7 Stadsmissionen Second Hand shops in Stockholm. This one, at Hornsgatan, is one of my favourites. The largest one is at Lövholmsvägen, which I recommend as well. Just jump of at the subway station Liljeholmen and take a 5 minute walk.

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Stadsmissionen | Shopping | Re-made pillow SEK 120.00
Hornsgatan 58 | Södermalm | +4686429335
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 11:00 – 16:00, Sun 12:00 – 16:00

I don’t know what happened but my favourite café isn’t my favourite anymore. I still come here and enjoy the furnishing and cosy atmosphere but the sandwiches aren’t like they once used to be.. It’s still cheap though and definitely worth going to, it hasn’t lost it charm.

The atmosphere is warm, relaxed and creative. It was really hip a couple of years ago but people keep coming. Downstairs you find more seats and if it’s nice weather they have a couple of attractive tables outside.

It’s been serving us cheap sandwiches since 1992. Every sandwich comes with a tasty little salad as well. Their Soya-latte is one of the best in town and their carrot cake is excellent. They have music and theatre performances downstairs every Wednesday and the art hanging on the walls is for sale.

Oh, if you like the chair you’re sitting on you can buy it as well, all furniture is for sale.

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String | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Music, Shopping, Snacks | Sandwich SEK 35.00
Nytorgsgatan 38 | Södermalm | +4687148514
Mon – Fri 09:30 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 10:30 – 19:00

Entering this shop is an experience itself with fruity scents striking you straight away, dim lights making you feel at home and rows of beautiful tins packed with carefully chosen blends of tea which leave you stunned and curious.

A bag of their most popular blend “Blend of South” is an unmistakable buy and a great give-away!

The owner Vernon Mauris opened this boutique in 1978 and it’s located on “the hump” at Hornsgatan, in the oldest part of Södermalm. Vernon’s passion and profession is tea; he answers all your questions with a big smile.

If you’re a tea enthusiast this will become your new favourite spot. If you don’t drink tea you will definitely start, I’m sure Mr. Vernon will find something just for you.

But beware, after visiting you might get addicted. There’s something about this place, a pleasant mix of nostalgia, hospitality and exquisiteness.

Their website is great as well. You can get the tea shipped to your place.

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Tea Centre of Stockholm | Coffee & tea, Shopping | Blend of South SEK 39.00
Hornsgatan 46 | Södermalm | +4686404210
Mon – Fri 09:30 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 16:00

For all British people and anglophiles in Stockholm this is like a small shop heaven. This is where I guess the Brits go when they are feeling homesick and longing for marmite and Ribena. And the place where us anglophiles go to pick up our beloved love Cadbury chocolate and Walker’s biscuits. It’s all here.

If English food is not what you crave the most they also have a book section with English books, mostly for children, but also Penguin readers and Wordsworth Classics. They also have a small selection of toys, mugs and greeting cards.

The shop is located inside Söderhallarna and is found on the second floor, just take the escalator from the food hall.

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The English Shop | Shopping
Söderhallarna, Medborgarplatsen | Södermalm | +4686404404
Mon – Wed 10:00 – 18:00, Thu – Fri 10:00 – 19:00, Sat 10:00 – 16:00
Sun 12:00 – 16:00

Even though I’ve lived in Stockholm my whole life it took me a long time to find Tjalla Malla. It’s not located in the central shopping district, it’s not close to any metro stop and they have never done any advertising. It’s one of those places you just have to pass by, look in the shop window and say – hey, I have to go in here.

Tjalla Malla is all about the small designers. They carry clothes from about 200 different names and most of them you have never heard of before. That makes most of the items in the shop very unique and the chance of you ending up at a party wearing the same dress as someone else is smaller than getting hit by lightning.

There are also some hand picked vintage clothes here as well as accessories, shoes and jewellery. Since there are so many different designers behind the clothes you never know what you are going to find. No day is the same. And some days, it’s like going treasure hunting.

If you missed Tjalla Malla during your Stockholm trip you can always check out the online shop on the website.

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Tjalla Malla | Shopping | Rokin boots SEK 1750.00
Bondegatan 46 | Södermalm | +4686407847
Mon – Fri 12:00 – 18:00, Sat 12:00 – 16:00

Cheap Monday jeans has spread like a wildfire over the world but did you know that it was here, in Stockholm – and more exactly in the shop Weekday, it started.

The first Weekday opened in 2002 and sold a lot of denim but from quite expensive brands. The owners thought it was time to change this and came up with Cheap Monday, which would only cost 400 kr (40 euros).

The first 800 pairs with a very tight stretchy fit hit the market in March 2004, they sold out immediately. Not long after, you could see the significant skull logo on almost every backside in Stockholm, especially in the area of Södermalm. It was also here Weekday opened their next shop – a huge one with two floors on Götgatan in 2005. The even bigger one on Drottninggatan came 2007.

When Cheap Monday first came you had to look around to find them, many shops that carried them were small and didn’t keep a big stock. Now you just need to hit one of the Weekdays and you will find every style, colour and size you could possibly want. The shops also have a great selection of second hand clothes.

I usually visit the shop on Götgatan because I frequent that area. In the central parts of town the big shop is on Drottninggatan 63 and a smaller one on Olofsgatan 1. The Drottninggatan shop opens one hour earlier all days but also closes one hour earlier on weekdays.

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Weekday | Shopping | Cheap Monday Jeans SEK 400
Götgatan 21 | Södermalm | +4686421772
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 20:00, Sat 11:00 – 18:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00