Sometimes it’s not just the product which draws us into a shop, but the actual design and display of the shop itself, which attracts us. Here are a few we really enjoyed this month.
The Localist
This ‘design and craft commune’ is a gathering of Chiang Mai’s young creative, whose works cover book binding, pottery, textiles and handicrafts designs. The minimal style shop is a showcase of their works. Occasionally, there will be workshops and events for the community to join in.
2/8 Chang Moi Kao Road, T. Sri Phum
Open 10am – 9pm
Tel. 063 429 5655
Facebook: thelocalistcm
A Day in the Life Shop
A multi-brand apparel shop from top Thai fashion designers. The various styles from vintage, hippie, minimal to punk are put together cohesively, making it fun to search through the racks and try on new looks.
64 Sirimangkalajarn Road (between Nimmanhaemin Soi 9 and 11)
Open 10am – 8pm
Tel. 063 361 4426
Facebook: AdayinthelifeShop
8080NMMN
This retro vintage store is packed to the rafters with a collection of utterly kitsch goodies from classic posters, old helmets, neon signs and all sorts of items which evoke pure nostalgia. In this case, the kitsch works to create a stylish and cohesive feel to make it a pleasure to wander around. We still aren’t sure what they sell, as some items are part of the owner’s private collection, but pop by just to admire the collection.
Nimmanhaemin Soi 9, T. Suthep
Open 12 – 8pm
tidtatidjai@gmail.com
Facebook: 8080NMMN
Kradas Café
A café and DIY shop presenting a creative approach to paper crafts. This place won the Chiang Mai Design Awards (CDA) for Retail Design category in 2016. Paper is the raison d’etre here and used creatively and innovatively from floor to ceiling. Very Instagram friendly!
T. Ton Pao, T. Sankamphaeng
Open 9am – 5pm
Tel. 053 960 819
Facebook: Kradas-cafe-ร้านกระดาษคาเฟ่
Good Old Days Barber Shop
This is a vintage barber shop for men where the hippest looks can be yours, from slick-back undercut to finely trimmed massive hipster beards. The shop oozes hipster-retro and they also offer a great hot shave and perfect promenaded looks.or so we are told.
At One Nimman, Nimmanhaemin Soi 1, T
Open 11am – 10pm
goodolddaysgroup@gmail.com
Facebook: GoodOldDaysBarbershop4
Nussara
This little textile shop is the force behind the recent revival of Mae Chaem District’s weavers and has brought the dying sinh teen jok (round skirt) back to life. Each piece is given space to fully show off the sophisticated designs and the hard work involved. There is a sense of story infused in the air of this shop.
Chang Moi Road, T. Wat Gate
Open 10am – 8pm
Tel. 087 304 7976
The Book Smith at One Nimman
This charming book store has opened its second branch (about 50m away from its first!) at the latest hot spot in town with more space for all bookworms to browse in. Bibliophiles can stroll, flip pages, and of course buy (real!) books in both Thai and English covering many areas of interest from design and architecture to cooking and travel.
At One Nimman, Nimmanhaemin Soi 1
Open 10am – 10pm
Tel. 053 223 292
Facebook: thebooksmithbookshop
