For us, our favourite independent stores are more than just a place to shop. It's where we get honest opinions, find fashion gems and create lifelong friendships. Here at ALC we are all about shopping small so we thought we'd put together a guide of our best loved independent stores in Edinburgh!
Starting with our neighbours on Thistle street we are huge fans of Covet which is an accessories boutique. Owners Blaise and Anna source quality brands from all over Europe with an emphasis on up-and-coming designers, and accessories that come straight from designer ateliers.
Cairngorm Coffee is a wonderful independent coffee shop on Fredrick street as well as Melville place. We highly rate their Saturday Scones and salted caramel brownies. 
Hendersons is on the corner of Thistle street and is a hot spot for for some seriously good grub. It serves up freshly prepared vegetarian and vegan dishes made from the best organic ingredients that are in season. We recommend you try their Leek & mushroom crepe which is served with whisky sauce & red chicory!
Our final recommendation has to be Meraki concept studios which is a design and communications agency working exclusively with small business. Meraki was founded in 2017 by girl boss Jemma Craig and since then has helped a huge amount of small businesses develop their brand identity. We have recently started working with Meraki and we have loved updating our website alongside the team.
Shop small 2019 is proudly supported by Amex and to encourage shoppers to buy from independent stores they are offering £5 credit on your testament to say thanks for shopping small! Just spend £10 or more on your Card in a single transaction in-store at a participating small business, and they'll give you back a £5 credit on your statement to say thanks for your support. The offer runs from 7 – 22 December 2019. Don’t forget, it can pay big to shop small – you can earn up to £50 back during the offer period.
