Lokaah

Lokaah is the sort of place that could potentially really irritate me. It could be the sort of place that accommodates for the «hippy» or «alternative» market with pretencions of being somehow really different whilst actually being like a lot of other places a lot like it. But somehow Lokaah has a real charm.
This shop sells a variety of Asian scarfs, throws and pieces of clothing as well as jewellery, accessories, some generic eastern ornaments, incense, as well as some other bits and bobs thrown in like purses and bags. Actually it all manages to be pretty decent quality. The shop has the lovely permanent incense smell, and the interior is full of warm welcoming colours.
I came here while looking for a throw for my new flat and ended coming away with a few things. For one the prices are really great and there are always deals and discounts on. Lokaah is also a convenient place for buying gifts and presents.
One word of warning: Lokaah is currently advertising itself as closing down. Now Lokaah has said this several times before but if you do really want a visit it’s maybe worth checking out soon just in case.

I’m not sure I am a fan of this place, although as you may notice I am a big fan of stuff and things, and that’s what this place sells.
Of course, not just any old stuff or things, but things you might get in other countries like Thailand. I’m talking incense, loads of mirrors, a plethora of Buddha, weirdly interesting masks and jewellery of every description. It has that distinctive smell of a typical ‘hippy’ type shop, which I associate with mass produced glass jewellery trying to pass itself off as Middle Eastern.
I have only visited the once, and there was a sale on, but this shop appears to be the type of place that has a sale on every day, if you know what I mean. All of the ‘authentic’ rings and bracelets were being sold for 50p-£5, depending on the size and type. I wasn’t impressed enough to purchase any of it, as it all looked as cheap as it was.
Maybe it’s just not my thing, or I don’t appreciate the beauty of it, but for me, it was just a shop load of tat.

It’s impossible to describe this place adequately.
All three of the branches in Edinburgh (also on the Royal Mile and in the Grassmarket) are tiny and absolutely crammed with any type of trinket you could ever imagine. The kinds things that you see when you’re in Morocco, South America or Thailand and would love to buy but know there’s no point even trying to get it back the the UK in one piece.
They have drapes, throws, incense, jewellery, handmade notebooks, hanging masks/​purses/​bags/​just about anything you can think of to hand-​make… but the best thing is the prices. The kind of ethnic-​looking jewellery or homeware you’d happily pay loads for in a department store can be snapped up here for pennies.
Don’t miss… the pashminas. The amount of times people have stroked whichever of Lokaah’s pashminas from my extensive collection that I’m wearing that day and asked where I got it from, and told me how they bet it had cost a bomb, has to be some kind of indicator! What’s more, you can bag yourself one for as little as £2.
My description of this place doesn’t do it justice — you have to go and see for yourself.

A truly Indian, and truly cheap, unfortunately running a closing down sale this week. It made me feel sad because I really love even the smell of it when I pass by; and sometimes I could just browse through jewllery, scarfs, clothes without buying a thing but the mere presence in the shop charges me with such peace and joy.

Lokaah stocks traditional Indian handicrafts specially imported to Edinburgh and London stores.
Lokaah assures us of its ethical trading standards, and regardless of whether these claims hold any water or not, the fact remains that this shop sells you the genuine article at bargain prices.
Definitely come here if you’re into harem pants, incense, and saris. In my opinion Lokaah is a cut above other similar shops that tend to be incredibly expensive.
In particular Lokaah stocks a range of amazing hand-​carved wooden figures and chests that make ideal gifts.
They even accept Euros here, so stop by to unload unwanted shrapnel on lovely trinkets.