Every place is made special by the people who live, manage and create it. One of the most interesting and inspiring ways to understand exactly what Latvian craftsmen and designers create is to visit various design shops and markets. And here the offer is really wide: experts in their craft have prepared everything from cosmetics, textiles and jewellery to design items.
RIIJA
For those who want quality, natural products and the best of Latvian design, it is worth visiting the Latvian design and lifestyle barn RIIJA. The store, located in the very centre of Riga, offers a wide range of Latvian designer goods; everything from linen bedding and clothing to beauty products, furniture, interior items and lighting. Natural materials, quality and the work of Latvian craftsmen, who combine traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary perspective, are what unite the range of products available in the store.
M50
The charming store M50, located on the iconic Miera Street, is definitely the place to view and buy the most current Latvian fashion designer products. M50 store offers clothes, jewellery, design items, ceramics, books and exciting gifts by more than 100 Latvian designers and artists. In addition, the store also offers clothes from the owner's own fashion brand, which combines Latvian nature, warm memories and humour.
Galerija ETMO
Natural linen and warm wool scarves, clothing and home textiles woven on authentic wooden looms, wool felt design accessories, glass, porcelain and clay. All of this is deeply rooted in Latvian craftsmanship and traditions. And all this is available in the Galerija ETMO. In addition, some items are available in limited quantities.
Senā klēts
The deepest traditions are woven into each national costume of the country. It is a patriotic festive outfit for every Latvian, as well as a special souvenir for tourists. In order to get such a gift for yourself or others, it is definitely worth visiting the National Costume Centre Senā klēts. In the store, it is possible to view more than 70 sets of folk costumes: archaeological and ethnographic folk costumes from various regions of Latvia - Kurzeme, Zemgale, Augšzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale. It is also possible to buy jewellery, blankets, shawls, scarves, knitwear, linen products, ceramics, wooden spoons, decorations and much more from the ethnographic heritage.
Pienene
The design shop and cafe Pienene is a place where you can “meet” the works of Latvian designers and craftsmen, and where you can meet friends, because it is there that both a shop and a cafe are combined under one roof. It is possible to buy tableware, textiles, cosmetics, clothing, jewellery and other products in the store, and Pienene itself has become a brand that also produces various textile products. Whereas everyone can treat themselves to Latvian delicacies in the cafe.
Miesai
Miesai is a shop where every aesthete will appreciate the available products. The brand and products were created by one of the leading Baltic brand design studios - Asketic. The goal of the shop Miesai is not to lose Latvian design traditions, and to take the best of them and dress them in a contemporary form. The brand emphasises minimalism, functionality and uniqueness in its products and their packaging.
Svinam
The concept store Svinam has a special place in the very heart of the VEF Quarter, where the decorator Baiba Prindule-Rence manages it. In the store, you can buy various carefully selected design goods, as well as visiting the concept store itself is a real adventure and visual pleasure for every aesthete.
Shops for the little ones
Latvian masters and designers have also thought about clothes and products for children. In the HEBE store, you can buy both clothes and accessories, as well as the popular Tuta’s Fox! HEBE is a children's clothing brand that highlights the most important in design: joy, imagination, comfort and quality. For the little ones and slightly older ones, it is worth visiting the Mazā cilts store, where developmental toys, books and interior and design goods created in Latvia are available. The store aims to unite Latvian manufacturers who have a passion for their idea in their eyes and care for our little ones - children.
Stationery stores
There's something special about writing-pads, notebooks, planners and handwritten greeting cards. You can view, touch and buy specially selected, interesting, high-quality stationery and accessories created in Latvia in the Manilla store. It is also possible to stay longer in the design and stationery store and enjoy a cup of coffee. Whereas Piparmētra is a stationery shop where all products - planners, calendars, stickers, cards, notebooks, gift papers and posters are created by two Latvian designers. As the girls admit, paper allows them to stop the daily rush, and evaluate and mark the most important things.
The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia has long been gathering homemakers and craftsmen from all over Latvia to meet at fairs: On Michaelmas Day, at the Modern Craft Market and other events. Trading is usually accompanied by entertaining performances, attractions for adults and children, and a visit to the museum is a special experience itself.
Old Riga Christmas Market
An annual and very special event is the Old Riga Christmas Market in Dome Square. It is the right place to capture the holiday spirit and choose special gifts for your loved ones. It is a place to enjoy local traditions, warm up and celebrate.
Kalnciema Quarter Market
In many local families, Kalnciema Quarter Market is now more than a market - it is a tradition. The farmers and artisans market in Āgenskalns takes place every Saturday and gathers all kinds of traders, from homemakers and farmers to designers. Both the traditional Latvian solstice celebrations and new holidays are celebrated on Kalnciema Street: almost every Saturday the market is dedicated to a special theme, to which the diverse range of products of the market is also adapted.
Āgenskalns Market
Nearby, on the left bank of the Daugava, there is also the recently renovated Āgenskalns Market, which gathers manufacturers, traders, and various caterers under its roof. This market is also definitely a meeting place. The spacious open-plan space creates a special feeling of togetherness. In addition, the market owners regularly take care of various events, for example, organizing the Potato Festival, and seasonal and even flea markets.
Rīga Design market
Besides, Riga Design Market takes place once a month, and it is possible to meet designers and brands there from all over the Baltics. Depending on the season, these markets tend to be themed, for example, offering to buy gifts in the winter or the brightest costumes for festivals in the summer. Riga Design Market has grown and now goes beyond the borders of the capital; it is also possible to visit it periodically in Sigulda, Carnikava and other cities of Latvia The most important thing is to follow the information on their website.
The largest shopping centers in Riga:
- Galerija Centrs in the Old Town;
- Stockmann in the city center;
- Akropole Riga in Ķengarags;
- Akropole Alfa in Teika;
- Spice in Zolitūde;
- Sky&More in Sarkandaugava.
There you will find brands that are known worldwide, such as H&M, Zara and Debenhams, local brands (e.g. Maya), and other Baltic brands – like Monton and Ivo Nikkolo.
Not far from Riga and near Jurmala, you can visit Via Jurmala Outlet Village - the outlet shopping village. More than 60 clothing, footwear, and accessories stores, cafes, restaurants, Gastro Market, and a large children's playground are located in the 13,500 m2 open-air area. Via Jurmala Outlet Village is located on the Jurmala highway that connects Riga and the famous resort town Jurmala and is only a 10-minute drive from the International Riga Airport.
