It may come as no surprise that Stavanger, the third largest city in Norway, often referred to as «Petroleum City» has a wealth of hidden niche shops and boutiques. With Christmas just around the corner, I’ll try to introduce you to all those shops that you might not have known about before and what to look, for whether you’re looking for a special gift or just out shopping for yourself!
Stavanger is a bit of a maze, and there are a number of places hiding in corners, down in alleys and quiet upper floors of shopping malls. Let’s start in Stavanger «Sentrum»!
On the long and busy street of Klubbgata you’ll see buses and people galore, as well as the entrance to Arkaden, a large shopping center with some of the same fare you’ll find in Kvadrat. However, if you cross the street at the entrance and go through the doors of a cafe called Steam, you can follow the escalator up to the next floor. There’ll you’ll find Søstrene Grene, where you can find affordable interior items, decorative teacups and coordinating textiles. They change the selection often, and on your way out you can also find some unusual
dry goods, everything from tea to hard candy-perfect for a small gift or a treat to yourself! Follow the first flight up stairs up to Friis & Company, an accessories line from Denmark, usually offering purses, shoes, bags styled 
from the latest trends. Prices range from mid-range (300 kroner) up to 1000 kroner for a larger handbag.
Exiting the building as you came out is Noa Noa, a distinctive clothing store originating from Denmark. The clothing is inspired by vintage femininity and sells women’s clothing up to size XXL, as well as an adorable children’s line. The price line is somewhat expensive but remarkably reasonable for the quality. A lovely place for small gifts as they have a unique and affordable collection of jewelry, socks and winter accessories.
Continue upwards along the small shopping street on Nygata to Tjølsen. For larger chested ladies I highly recommend stopping by and getting measured for a bra! The shop assistants are experts and professionals and extremely helpful even if you don’t decide to buy anything. The selection is somewhat limited, but once you know your size in a certain brand you can purchase it online cheaper. Be prepared for sticker shock-a bra here can easily set you back between 600-900 kroner.
At the top of the street is Ting, a varied, colorful shop selling modern homewares, textiles, and a number of Italian brands in everything from lunch boxes to children’s bibs. This is a fun store to look in when you can’t find a gift for that person that has everything! Price points range from completely affordable to very expensive-in other words, something for everyone!
Moving to Kirkegata, which is just around the corner. Proceed towards the 7-11 on the corner, take a left, and follow it until you come to Kirkegata, where you’ll be making a right. Look for Cinnamon, a lifestyle boutique with an amazing interior filled with sights and sounds inspired by Italy. Here you will find brands like Jil Sander, Prada and Hunter, with many more. Price range is high, but this is a shop that begs to be experienced!
Continuing down the same street is Karma, another fine high end boutique selling labels from France and Italy, and other overlooked treasures. It is an interesting shop that often has great deals and the jewelry section is always a pleasure to look at!
Retreating back just a bit to the crossing, turn left towards the shopping street on Breigata towards the shopping center. As you enter the cafe, follow the steps up to Høyer, where you’ll find an awesome selection of brands like Odd Molly and Malene Birger. The store is huge and open and you can enjoy looking through
the racks of clothes without any pressure.
Exiting as you came in, turn left and proceed down the street towards Østervag. Fair Play is on your left, a shop inspired by ethical, eco-friendly goods. Interesting selection and friendly sales associates to help you find a unique gift you can buy with a good conscience!
Following Østervåg to your left, you’ll soon see Øvre Holmegate. There’s no mistaking this street, 
with its bright, unusually painted buildings. On the corner is Harry Camping, which sells everything from retro inspired children’s clothes to hand produced accessories and secondhand clothing. At Christmas they sell unique ornaments and cards as well, with tons of unique affordable gifts.
Following Øvre Holmegate to your left is 
Syvende Himmel, which is a unique clothing store specializing in modern and vintage inspired dresses although they also have a unique selection of rainwear. Plenty of locally made jewelry and other accessories with a helpful staff. Price point is usually mid range to high for these often handmade or one off treasures.
Backtracking down to Østervåg, 
take a right towards L’Occitane, a unique, exclusive French bath and body shop complete with home fragrance, skin care lines and more. Be sure to check out the Shea Butter line, a must have for Norwegian winters! Next door is Olivers and Co with an amazing selection of olive oil based gifts. 
You won’t walk out of here empty handed, and they usually have free samples on display.
Going down the street a bit you’ll see to your right Ilse Jacobsen, a Scandinavian designer best known for her fine rainwear. Inside her shop you’ll find a 
large selection of quality rain boots, waterproof jackets and shoes.
Just up to your left is Body Shop, the international bath 
and body chain, which has won the city award for best service a number of years in a row. The store is small but the staff is excellent and helpful. Don’t hesistate to ask for a free makeover, no pressure to buy! They also do a wonderful job of wrapping your gift if you wish.
To finish off, I recommend stopping at the unique shopping center 
Magasin Blaa which is located on Verksgata, next to the pier and across the street from Intersport. On the second floor you’ll find The Makeup Store, which sells every possible color in lipstick, eyeshadow and sells a number of high quality makeup brushes. Don’t forget to take a look at Undertøy Galleriet for gorgeous pajamas and matching bra sets. Next door is Oasis, an amazing British chain known for its smart interpretations of the latest trends and gorgeous jewelry and accessories line. This is where you want to go to get whatever you need for all your holiday parties! Just down the hall is Marimekko, which is Scandinavia’s oldest design house-the shop offers a variety of textiles in seasonally appropriate patterns. Magasin Blaa also has a number of unique (but very expensive) children’s clothing stores.
With all this shopping, you may need to stop to refuel. My top tips for a shopping power lunch are:
Sting, Valberjet 3 The burger here is delicious! 
If you’re feeling really naughty, try the fantastic homemade chocolate cake. My opinion: best coffee in Stavanger!
Resept, Østervåg 43 Resept is known as the vegan cafe in Stavanger, but they have fanastic sandwiches and make a delicious cup of tea. The sitting area on the lower level is lovely!
Choco Boco, Sølvberggata 2 If you don’t mind a little bit of hustle and bustle, Choco Boco has a lovely selection of desserts and the best Cafe Mocha in town! Be sure to try their Mozzerella and Bacon sandwich. Or if you’re just in for dessert, I highly recommend their rich chocolate cake with drizzled raspberry sauce.
Norway also has a number of chain stores, 
here are the main ones in Stavanger:
Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) Stavanger Storsenter, Swedish fashion chain gone international which is known for its famous collaborations as well as affordable imitations of the latest fashions. Selling children, youth, women’s and mens’ clothing including an in-house plus size and athletic wear line as well as accessories. All ages. Clothing tends to run small.
Lindex 
Stavanger Storsenter, a smaller Swedish fashion chain selling affordable women’s and children’s clothing. Has a trendy in-house plus size line. Good quality clothing, sizing is normal to large. Target buyer is 25+
Kappahl 
Arkaden, a Scandinavian fashion chain selling affordable mature clothing for men and women from 30+, as well as a children’s line. Extensive lingerie selection as well as simple in-house plus size line. European sizing.
Cubus 
Arkaden, Scandinavian fashion chain with extremely affordable clothing to men, women and children. All ages. Trendy items, varying quality. Nice selection of lingerie and pajamas. Sizing is small to normal.
Gina Tricot
Nygata 10, Trendy, super affordable fashion to youth and younger women. Certain items can be found in larger sizes (XXL). Sizing is small.
Dressmann 
Østervåg 3, Men’s casual wear, including a Big & Tall selection at Østervåg location.
Addresses of stores listed above:
Søstrene Grene, Stavanger Storsenter, Klubbgata 5
Friis & Company, Stavanger Storsenter, Klubbgata 5
Noa Noa, Nygata 15
Tjølsen, Nygata 14
Ting, Laugmannsgata 6
Cinnamon, Kirkegata 29
Karma, Kirkegata 34
Høyer, Galleri 4, Breigata 4
Fair Play, Østervåg 37
Harry Camping, Østervåg 36
Syvende Himmel, Øvre Holmegate 21
L’Occitane, Breigata 25
Ilse Jacobsen, Østervåg 12
Body Shop, Østervåg 9
Magasin Blaa, Verksgata 2
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2 comments
whitney love
Nov 11, 2010
Great article Melissa!
Another good place to mention is Fretex (run by the Norwegian Salvation Army) for new and used items of varying quality such as furniture, books, electrical equipment, tools, kitchen items (pots, pans, silverware, table linens, etc.), sporting gear, tea towels, Halloween costumes, board games and clothing. They have several locations in Stavanger as well as locations in Sandnes and Bryne.
Melissa
Nov 16, 2010
Thanks Whitney! Fretex is definitely a place to check out if you are interested in supporting a good cause and buying used goods. My personal favorite Fretex is the one in Stavanger and Bryne!