Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.07.2018, Blaðsíða 36

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2018
36 Best Record Store
Reykjavík
Record Shop
Klapparstígur 35
This tiny record store might offer a
more streamlined selection than other
places, but it has a good selection of
old and new records from both Icelan-
dic and international artists. The true
pleasure of shopping here, however,
lies in chatting to the personnel, usually
comprised of DJs, musicians or simply
music know-it-alls. As one panelist
put it: “There are only music nerds
working here, so they can help you with
anything.”
Runners Up
Lucky Records
Rauðarárstígur 10
Famous far and wide for its endless
selection of music, Lucky Records is a li-
brary of sound. Organised by genre and
alphabetical order, one doesn’t exactly
go to Lucky Records for the taxonomy:
it has a punky, underground character
that makes all the difference. Peruse
away for an entire afternoon and go
home with an unexpected gem.
Smekkleysa Plötubúð
Laugavegur 35
The bright green “bad taste” shop on
Laugavegur is a long-running staple of
Icelandic record stores. Also a record
label, they stock the best new and
classic records, alongside a carefully
curated wall of new vinyls from indie la-
bels around the world. A must-see store
for indie nerds and audiophiles.
Previous Winners
2017: Lucky Records
2015-6: Reykjavík Record Shop
2013-14: Lucky Records
Best Homeware Shop
Geysir Heima
Skólavörðustígur 12
The not-so-secret wet dream of any
individual with a passion for Scandina-
vian interiors, the latest addition to the
Geysir family has a diverse selection of
homeware that’s unique to this shop.
Besides its famously lush chequered
blankets and delicious scented
candles, they also stock neat and
minimalist design from all over Scan-
dinavia. When you’re done shopping
for interesting bookshelves, funky fish
soap or dreamy Tokyo bikes, step into
their basement exhibition space for
more artsy inspiration.
Runners Up
Akkúrat
Aðalstræti 2
The owners of this concept store are
always on the lookout for the freshest
Icelandic talent. If you see something
you like, support the local scene and
snatch it while you can. Their interior
pieces are classic with a twist, and of-
ten handmade, so you’re bound to find
something that you’ll never see again.
Kokka
Laugavegur 47
Kokka is a fancy fantasy-land for food
lovers, filled with all sorts of utensils
you didn’t even know you needed. They
import the best Italian pasta machines
as well as a wide selection of pots and
pans from reputable brands such as
Lodge, de Buyer and Rösle. It might not
be the cheapest, but when you want
quality, there’s nothing better.
Previous Winners
None: new category!
Best Goddamn Store
Húrra Reykjavík
Hverfisgata 50 & 78
Húrra Reykjavík mostly stocks trendy sportswear that is made for
the city. Organised in neat rows, each one is like a mini capsule
wardrobe in itself. Young Icelandic rappers and their loyal fans all
shop here, ready to line up for the new Yeezys, dressed in their uni-
form of puffer jacket, cap and spotless sneakers.
Runners Up
Geysir
Skólavörðustígur 7 & 16
With the Geysir family expanding to
homeware and taking over the down-
town fashion scene, it’s no wonder
this is one of the most fashionable
places to shop in town. They stock both
fine, practical knits from their own
label, and international brands such
as Ganni and Hope, offering elegant
selections that aren’t out of place in
the ever-changing Icelandic climate.
It’s a beautiful store: even window
shopping there is a pleasurable expe-
rience. And if you can’t always afford
a piece, you can always get inspired.
Flying Tiger
Laugavegur 13
Did you forget to buy a gift? Have you
suddenly found the need to waterc-
olour? Are you doing an impromptu
renovation of your living room? Flying
Tiger has got your back. It’s not like it
pretends to offer the best quality, but
if you need something urgently and
you’re a downtown pedestrian, there’s
no better place.
Previous Winners
2016: Kjötborg
2015-6: Geysir
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2018
Shopping
Stuff is better than money anyway