The Ultimate Helsinki Shopping Guide
The capital of Finland has such a strong focus on fashion and design shops that we’ve put together a recommended shortlist for the ultimate Helsinki shopping experience.
If you’re wondering which retailers to explore during your Finnish city break then please read on!
Our Helsinki shopping guide list
Our recommendations have been shortlisted based on shops with good authenticity, design and luxury based items and spaces.
Whether you like to indulge in high end luxury or delve into your design our ultimate Helsinki shopping guide is here to help and inspire.
For a quick overview of the Helsinki stores we will be taking you through:
Table of Contents
1. Common – Best for combining Finnish & Japanese Culture
Common is a delightful independent boutique dedicated to Japanese culture through fashion, homeware and all types of other accessories.
It’s a genuine curation of items and where I had a great time exploring the different items on display.
Located in the creative design district of Punavuori, the shop brings a superior yet simplistic design aesthetic to customers.
Owner Kohsuke Nakamura is such a friendly character taking real pride in his boutique where the ‘common’ theme is the connection between both Japanese and Finnish culture.
You can expect some exciting Japanese labels along with Finnish designers too making it a truly unique Helsinki shopping experience.
Minimal design with the upmost craftsmanship is the order of the day. It’s this that aligns so well with the design philosophy of Finland.
More information: https://common-helsinki.com
2. Samuji – Best Helsinki shopping for high end luxury womenswear
Samuji brings together the finest in womenswear design and sustainability all under one roof. I instantly liked this shop which really showcases each piece of clothing like a true work of art.
The clothing brand is owned by former Marimekko Creative Director, Samu-Jussi Koski making it a real highlight for all female fashion lovers.
Samuji collections follow a chic and timeless look and feel with the clothing being made from countries such as Estonia, Portugal and Italy reinforcing strong fabric and manufacturing.
Make sure you have room in your suitcase from some extra pieces. I did warn you!
More information: https://samuji.com/
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3. Karhu – Best for sneakers and sportswear
Karhu’s flagship store in Helsinki really showcases its cool running shoe credentials with an enviable footwear range ideal for sneakerheads alike.
The Karhu brand was established in 1916 (lots of heritage!) with the store offering up a small unique space with friendly staff to match.
Choose between sportswear clothing or footwear that comes in a range of different colours and styles.
If you’re open to owning something new and different from the usual athleisure brands then check it out!
More information: https://karhu.com/
4. Artek – Best Helsinki shopping for interior design
You can’t come to Helsinki without experiencing Artek which offers arguably the most iconic Finnish furniture design.
Artek is a concept store started by renowned architect, Alvar Aalto and sells a range of items including lighting, table and chairs.
Artek history
The store was established in 1935 with the aim to simply “..sell furniture and to promote a modern culture of living by exhibitions and other educational means.”
Artek is perhaps most famous for selling Aalto’s ‘stool 60’ piece. A now iconic design with simple and stylish look tying in to the values of Scandinavia.
Do take your time to absorb the Helsinki flagship store atmosphere. It’s certainly once of my favourite shops in Helsinki and if you get to go you’ll soon know why.
For more information: https://www.artek.fi/
5. Marimekko – Best for overall lifestyle goods
Marimekko has a strong reputation for its renowned clothing, textile and furnishing collections easily making it onto our Helsinki shopping guide!
Founded in 1951 Marimekko is a genuine fashion and design staple for Helsinki shoppers with its recognisable stylish prints of the Unikko poppy.
Wide space, splashes of colour and new collections across their lifestyle palette of home design and fashion makes this such an ideal shopping destination.
Check out the flagship version of the store (there are 4 stores in the central Helsinki district) to capture the full shopping experience in full.
More information: https://www.marimekko.com/
6. Frenn – Best for sustainable menswear
Frenn brings a different feel to most menswear shops with its cool versatility and sustainable credentials.
The collections range from shirts, jackets, trousers and knitwear giving you or the man in your life the chance to stock up on some serious high quality garments.
Founders Jarkko Kallio and Antti Laitinen have made a real effort bringing a fusion of function and finesse to their menswear pieces.
They offer a production lifetime guarantee and give you the option to recycle or repair your clothing should you need to.
More information: https://frennhelsinki.com/
7. Papershop – Best Helsinki shopping for quality paper design
Papershop provides the very best best in erm.. well.. paper! They stock some of the most sublime high quality paper and design for greeting cards, notebooks and home accessories.
It’s an impressive shop which I loved for its overall curation of high quality paper design that you rarely see anywhere else.
Definitely stop by and take time to find yourself that new stylish notebook for your to do list or to plan your next holiday. It’s a true gem in the Helsinki retail roster!
More information: https://papershop.fi/
8. Nide – Best for books and magazines
Situated in Helsinki’s design district Nide is a genuine mecca for magazine and book enthusiasts alike.
The printed word here is undoubtedly paramount and if you’re into art and design this is your chance to truly explore and pick up a book or two.
For the right person Nide is the type of shop where you can truly spend the whole afternoon exploring rare finds.
More information: https://www.nidekauppa.fi/
If you happen to be also interested in Helsinki dining experiences you can find my romantic restaurant recommendations here
