This is what makes Exeter so different from any other city in the region. Away from the busy High Street you'll find a wealth of chic independent stores that you can't find anywhere else.
Fore Street in the West Quarter is a rare find, not only for its architecture, but for its unusual shops and arcades. The McCoy's Arcade is home to vintage and retro clothing shop The Real McCoy and Manson's Guitars, whose famous clients have included Led Zeppelin, Muse, Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, Yes, Jethro Tull and McFly! The City Arcade also has some interesting shops.
The cobbled Gandy Street, just off High Street in the Castle Quarter, has a great range of unique shops in an historic setting, such as Sobey's with its vintage and reworked clothing. Veer off into the New Buildings alleyway to discover retro clothing at Vivid and ethnic styles at Firkins. A walk along Gandy Street will bring you to Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum, which has its own shop selling unique gifts and souvenirs inspired by RAMM's collections and exhibitions.
Castle Street is great for fashion and jewellery, with designer boutique Crede and the award winning independent Monty's Jewellery.
Harlequins Shopping Centre, just off Queen Street, is linked by bridge to the Guildhall Shopping Centre, and has an eclectic mix of shops including designer menswear at Jonathan Hawkes.
Roman Walk in the Princesshay Quarter has brands exclusive to the south west, including Chandos Deli.
Just a short walk from the city centre brings you to Magdalen Road, great for local food shopping. You will also find unusual gifts and crafts at Leaf Street.
See the list below for more independent shops in Exeter.