Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.09.2018, Síða 34

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2018
34
While high prices mean Reykjavík isn’t really thought of as a shop-
per’s paradise, there are still plenty of great local products you can
only get here. Whether you’re hunting for a piece of Icelandic design,
searching for hard-to-find vinyl by an Icelandic artist, stocking the
fridge of your Airbnb, or hunting down the perfect hand-knitted lo-
papeysa, this guide will get you on the right track. Most of the winners
are located in downtown Reykjavík, but a few are scattered throughout
the Greater Reykjavík Area, giving you a good excuse to get out of the city
centre hubbub and do some exploring. Happy shopping!
Best Grocery Store
Krónan
Fiskislóð 15-21 & other locations
This chain of large and bright supermarkets has always had a larger
selection of goodies than cheaper stores in town, but in 2017 Krónan
really stepped up its game. “Shopping there is just such a pleasur-
able experience,” one panellist said. It’s hard to find fresher fruits,
veggies and fish anywhere else, but it’s the variety of vegan products
that especially appealed to the panel, including the famous Swedish
Oatly cream cheese (which sells out as soon as it hits the shelves)
and their tasty yoghurt.
Runners Up
Nettó
Fiskislóð 3
Nettó kills it when it comes to importing
weird products from all over the world
that you can’t find anywhere else. One
could easily spend hours browsing the
Healthy Food section, with its infinite
selection of vegetable butters, nuts, su-
perfoods, sugar-free chocolate snacks,
juices and more. Drop by for a late night
snack: they’re open 24/7.
Melabúðin
Hagamelur 39
With its shelves packed high with in-
teresting imports, this extra-cluttered
store is to food-lovers what Christmas
is to children. It’s that place in town
where you can find artichokes, out-of-
season aubergines, juicy peaches and
fresh figs, just to name a few. Drop by if
you can deal with mild claustrophobia
and if you love kitchen experiments.
Previous Winners
2017: Krónan
2016: Bónus
Best Shop To Pick
Up Local Design
Akkúrat
Aðalstræti 2
Despite being a fairly new addition to
the local shopping scene, Akkúrat has
managed to dominate the design show
with an elegant, luminous store full of
one-of-a-kind pieces that you’ll have
trouble finding anywhere else. Because
the owners are adamant about
supporting young Icelandic designers,
their focus is mostly local, with an
ever-changing selection of clothes
and interior design pieces. Pop-ups in
their downtown store are not unusual,
with the hope of giving new talents the
opportunity to widen their reach.
Runners Up
Epal
Harpa, Austurbakki 2
Epal has been supporting Nordic
designers for more than 30 years. Their
selection of products is classic Scandi,
meaning there’s something for every-
body— from Vík Prjónsdóttir’s iconic
scarves and whimsical Tulipop trinkets
to elegant, streamlined interior design
pieces, including furniture.
Mun
Barónsstígur 27
Newcomer: Minimal but warm, Mun is
quickly becoming one of Reykjavík’s
design gems. From pillows and blankets
to kitchen and bathroom gadgets, Mun’s
products are decidedly Scandinavian—
often monochromatic and with simple
lines. Some of the best finds carry that
whimsical detail that makes the differ-
ence between modern hygge and lifeless
IKEA catalogue.
Previous Winners
2017: Akkúrat
2016: Kraum
2015: Spark Design Space (RIP)
2013-4: Kraum
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2018
Shopping
Gird your wallets...
Best Shop To Pick
Up Local Fashion
KIOSK
Ingólfstræti 6
This is the eighth time in a row that
KIOSK is chosen as best local boutique,
and for a good reason. KIOSK is a
collective run by four independent Ice-
landic designers who often take turns
working at the counter. The designers
play with different ideas and materials,
so you can find heavy knits next to the
smoothest of silks, while bold, clashing
prints coexist with more subtle,
monochromatic pieces. Whether you’re
looking for one-of-a-kind investments
or simply dreaming of one, there’s no
better place to be.
Runners Up
Hildur Yeoman
Skólavörðustígur 22
With her dreamy patterns and lush
textures, Hildur Yeoman’s boutique is
a pleasure for all the senses. Her teal
velvet blazer and space-inspired body-
con dresses have become iconic, but
more head-turning pieces are hidden
among the shop’s minimal selection.
In addition to Hildur’s own pieces, the
store sells a handful of accessories
from international brands.
A.M. Concept Store
Garðastræti 2
Newcomer: The creative child of Aníta
Hirlekar and Magnea Einarsdóttir, A.M.
concept store is a shop and exhibition
space with an atelier tucked behind it.
Aníta and Magnea’s approach to dress-
making combines simple silhouettes
with either bold colours or unexpected
textures, often juxtaposed to local and
international designs that keep the
space fresh and inspiring.
Previous Winners
2011-17: KIOSK