While there’s no such thing as the St Ives Shopping Centre, if you love independent shops and galleries, St Ives is perfect shopping territory for you.
The main shopping district in central St Ives is centred around the pretty streets of Chapel Street, Fore Street and High Street. Shop-lovers are spoilt for choice with a delightful array of boutique shops and galleries. While St Ives may be best known for its beautiful beaches, save some time to meander its quirky cobbled streets to browse the wonderful selection of independent lifestyle shop, offering a host of coveted brands, many of which are local.
So where are the best shops in St Ives? Here, we round up 10 (trust us, there are plenty more) of our favourites stores with something to suit every shopper.
Best for… jewellery
Location: 2 Market House, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1RZ
While St Ives may be known as Cornwall’s crown jewel, it also has plenty of jewellery shops to tempt those who like shiny things! One of our favourites has to be Kirsty Bridgewater, having recently just opened a new store on Market Place, the jewellery is lovingly made just up the road at its Jewellery Workshop at Sloop Studios.
An award-winning jeweller, Kirsty is a skilled designer and maker having studied a range of techniques; create stunning rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelet. A visit to this jewellery shop in St Ives is a must, just don’t blame us if you’re tempted by a gift or two, alongside jewellery you’ll find gorgeous homewares, flowers, cards and more.
Best for… art lovers
Location: Back Road West, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1NL
There are many galleries and art/craft shops in St Ives. An art mecca, St Ives is vibrant and alive, and there is plenty for the culturally-minded to see at the Penwith Gallery. Art lovers will enjoy the sensitively renovated gallery with inspiring displays of local artworks and creative exhibitions. A glance into Cornish culture and creativity, it’s a feast for the eyes, at Penwith Gallery appreciate sculptures, ceramics, paintings, drawings, photographs and prints.
Best for… gifts
Location: 53 Fore St, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1HE
Full to the brim with talented Cornish producers and their artisan products, you’ll want to buy everyone you know a trinket from this gift shop in St Ives. From sustainable tableware and snug interior pieces such as cosy cushions and throws, to long-lasting accessories and locally-made jewellery. There really is a gift for everyone at Ula Clothing & Lifestyle.
Best for… book lovers
Location: 2 Fore St, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2AB
Book worms will enjoy the independent St Ives Bookseller. One of the leading independent bookshops in the country, as soon as you step through the door on Fore Street you’ll see why. With a welcoming atmosphere, the St Ives Bookseller is beautifully fitted with oak bookcases and Cornish slate floors, with a large range of titles given its size.
We love the whimsical children’s section, and its selection of Cornish books is impressive too, many as signed editions. If there’s a book you can’t find, speak to the friendly members of staff… their literary knowledge is second to none.
Best for… kids
Location: 31 Fore Street, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1HE
Little ones will love Laff Kids selection of whimsical and wonderful toys, from timeless wooden pieces from Orange Tree and super soft Steiff, while parents won’t be able to help themselves with Laff Kids range of kids’ clothes. Expect to see much-loved coastal-inspired brands such as Hatley, Kite and Toby Tiger. It’s a real treasure trove!
Best for… food
Location: 30A Fore St, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1HE
A small set of farmers and local allotments bring you fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at The Allotment Deli. Whether you need fresh veg for a recipe or you want to pick up a selection of nibbles to enjoy back at your holiday cottage. The produce is laid out beautifully and the deli has a wonderful selection of cheese, meat, and store cupboard goods. Why not treat yourself to a takeaway sandwiches to enjoy at the harbour? They also make Cornish cheese hampers to order, we urge you to try their nettle-wrapped Yarg, it’s a delicacy.
Best for… home interiors
Location: 54 Fore Street, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1HE
What place could be more inspiring for your home than Cornwall? Interiors brand Brocante offers stylish contemporary gifts and homeware, with shops situated in Fowey, Mevagissey, Perranporth, Charlestown, and here in St Ives. From unique gifts, clothes and accessories to swoon-worthy homeware and interior pieces, this shop in St Ives is a lifestyle shopper’s dream. Everything in Brocante is simply gorgeous, and perfect for those home interior Pinterest boards.
Best for… surfers
Location: 2 High Street, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1RR
Tiki Surf Co has been serving the UK’s surf scene since 1967 and remains the only British surf brand to have its own surfboard and wetsuit range. Stocking some of the world’s leading surf and lifestyle brands, whether you’re looking to purchase a bodyboard, surfboard, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or simply looking for some surf-inspired threads, you’ve come to the right place at Tiki Surf Co.
Best for… womenswear
Location: 18 Fore St, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1AB
There are over 50 OSKA stores worldwide, and 11 in those are here in the UK, but most exciting of all Cornwall is lucky enough to have one of its clothing shops here in St Ives. Providing an elegant, simple and timeless look, the designer OSKA womenswear label is to be worn with happiness. You can expect luxury materials, attention to detail and innovative designs in this wardrobe of dreams.
Best for… menswear
Location: Lifeboat Hill, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1LE
When it comes to clothes shopping in St Ives we have so much love for Academy and Co, which actually blesses St Ives with three stores. Each branded as more of a lifestyle store than a clothing shop, founded in 2007, Academy and Co is an independently owned and operated. Stocking a selection of stylish brands, from cool new kicks to cosy cashmere jumpers and snug beanies, in this more-than-a-clothing shop you’re bound to get your sartorial fix.
Categories: Local shops & brands