Consumerism might be destroying the planet, but hey, you can’t walk around naked. While Iceland may not be a worldwide shopping destination due to high prices and its relative isolation, there’s still a plethora of unique products that are worth spending your hard-earned dough on. From handmade lopapeysur created by dotings Grandmas to obscure Björk b-b-b-sides, here’s your essential guide to shopping in Reykjavík.
Best Homeware Shop
Kokka
Laugavegur 47
Kokka is a fancy fantasy-land for food and homeware lovers, filled with all sorts of utensils you didn’t even know you needed (but, obviously, you do). For those looking for new toys to furnish a modern and really, really stylish kitchen, Kokka should be your first stop. “They recently expanded and it’s really nice,” one panel member raved. “It’s proper quality, humble, and cool. It’s also very accessible and easy to navigate, which I appreciate. The owners are alsovery pro-Laugavegur, which is also important for me.” So for those looking to impress their date with fresh pasta from the best Italian pasta machine around, take a mosey around Kokka.
Runner-Up:
Geysir Heima
Skólavörðustígur 16
“What else can you say about Geysir Heima?” One panellist asks. “It’s well-curated. The interior is beautiful. Geysir has cultivated an empire and it’s for good reason.” The upscale home shop, which offers everything from their iconic wool blankets to minimalist glassware to a fantastic selection of art books, will make you fall in love with Scandinavian style. Pro-tip: Check out their basement. There’s often exhibitions down there.
Runner-Up:
Epal
Skeifan 6
Epal has been a mainstay of the Reykjavík design scene for more than 30 years, supporting it and constantly pushing it forward. “You can’t talk about Icelandic design without mentioning Epal,” one panel member explains. “They are devoted to Scandinavian style.”
Previous Winners
2018-9: Geysir Heima
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