Exeter’s independent culture has done well to promote vintage and retro shops. If it is retro and vintage clothing is what you are interested in, start in The West Quater (Fore St, towards Exe Bridges/River) here you’ll find Exeter’s oldest retro shop ‘McCoy’s’ as well as a few other independent shops – arguably the most interesting bit of Exeter for shopping.
Vintage & Retro Shopping in Central Exeter
Vintage & Upcycled Clothes, Collectables and Just Cool Stuf
The Real McCoys – bit of an institution in the town for vintage and retro shoppers, established in 1985
Frocks in Swing Time – vintage inspired clothing (new)
My Ex Wardrobe – higher-end and designer second-hand items
Sobey’s have a shop in Gandy St – just a few hundred yards from My Ex Wardrobe (above). Soby’s specialised in up-cycled clothes and American retro-wear.
Parade – close to the central train station, mainly ’80, ’90’s Y2K clothing.
For exquisite antique jewellery visit Mortimers
Charity Shops – Worthy of a Visit
There are quite a few charity shops in Exeter, quite a few are clustered at the opposite end of Fore Street from McCoys – The British Heart Foundation has one of the largest shops, with a good selection of clothes, collectables and furniture. (Walk towards the Odeon Cinema) The other recommended charity chop for seeking out vintage bargains is the Devon Air Ambulance shop in Heavitree, just a short drive out from the city centre.
Antique Shops & Warehouses in Exeter
More traditional antiques, collectibles and bric-a-brac
Exeter Quay Antiques – situated on the Quay in Exeter. Also has a great coffee shop.
Opposed Exeter Quay you’ll find Exeter Antique Lighting Co.
Small vintage / retro shop in Exeter town centre: Francis Kay Vitage
Antique Shops & Collectables Just outside of city centre
The Attic – Bakers Yard Exeter, EX2 8RG
Auction Antiques in Exeter – periodic auctions
Exeter Trading Hub – 16 Marsh Green Rd East EX2 8PQ
Flipped & Vintage – gorgeous upcycled furniture, contact ahead of visiting
Further Afield
Topsham Quay Antiques Centre EX3 0JB – this one is opposite the Lighter Inn so perfect for if you want to you want to stop of a bit to eat.
The Antique Village – just 8 miles out from Exeter, describes itself as a ‘total antiques, vintage, retro and salvage destination. ….you will find a large multi-dealer antiques centre, auction saleroom, and architectural salvage site. There is also a cafe for when you shopped out.
The Vintage Trading Post – Ottery St Mary
