Guide to shops in Truro

In need of some retail therapy? For an irresistible blend of independent boutiques and high-street favourites, look no further than charming Truro, the county’s capital, and one of our top 10 places to stay in Cornwall. The small city has a great deal to offer, including a magnificent cathedral, an excellent theatre and a superb museum and art gallery, and yet is compact enough to explore in a day or two, enjoying lunch or dinner at one of its many excellent places to eat.

Lining the historic cobbled streets is an array of enticing shops in Truro, ranging from fashion stores to furniture outlets, shoe shops to charity shops, interspersed with coffee shops where you can make a pit stop between purchases. There are also two indoor markets, a twice-weekly farmers' market and Truro late-night shopping events in the run-up to Christmas.

If spending the day browsing Truro’s shops, then returning to your comfortable holiday getaway for a relaxing evening sounds appealing, click below to book one of our high-quality self-catering cottages and experience the magic of Truro for yourself.

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• Coffee shops in Truro
• Charity shops in Truro
• Shoe shops in Truro
• Furniture shops in Truro
• Clothes shops in Truro

Coffee shops in Truro

108 Coffee House

Serving locally roasted, premium coffee and locally sourced milk, plus the finest teas, home-made cakes, and delicious breakfasts and lunches, 108 Coffee House is one of the best coffee shops in Truro with a great Scandinavian vibe.    

Pollen

This seasonal coffee ‘shack’ is located opposite the bandstand in the heart of Victoria Gardens in central Truro. Stroll among the trees, admire the exotic shrubs and flowers, and listen to music on Sunday afternoons. Environmentally conscious, Pollen offers cosmic smoothies and irresistible home-made cakes, along with Cornish ice cream and, of course, coffee and tea. They also run yoga and breakfast events, so you can combine your mountain pose with a mocha.

Grounded

Family-owned and run Grounded showcases the best of local produce and serves freshly ground Olfactory coffee, made in Penryn just a few miles away. You can eat in or take away, whether you want a giant toastie, a poke bowl, a Cornish breakfast or an excellent cappuccino. A little gem in the heart of the city.

Charity shops in Truro

Oxfam

Oxfam’s Truro branch has a vibrant and colourful feel, with pre-loved clothes, accessories and bric-a-brac on offer, plus the ‘Sourced by Oxfam’ range of new calendars and diaries, sweets and chocolate, homeware, gifts and more. Next door, the Oxfam bookshop – nominated for the UK’s favourite charity shop in 2024 – is a haven of fiction and non-fiction, and also sells vintage vinyl and CDs, and a good range of DVDs.

Little Steps

Supporting babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families, the Little Steps shop in Truro is one of 30 across the South West. If you have little ones, this is a great place to look for children’s clothes, toys, books and games, baby equipment such as buggies, highchairs and cots, pocket-money toys and maternity clothing.

Shoe shops in Truro

Schuh

Full to the brim with an eclectic collection of men’s, women’s and kids’ footwear from leading brands such as Crocs, Doctor Martens, Birkenstock and Adidas, Schuh is a shopping experience like no other. One of more than 100 Schuh stores in the UK and Ireland, the Truro branch offers a £5 discount when you trade in an old pair of shoes, and IMBOX treatment against stains.

Moshulu

Designed in Devon since 1997, Moshulu footwear is both colourful and comfortable – something a little different in an often-homogenous high street. The independent retailer (one of 19 branches around the UK) also has an extensive range of wide-fit shoes and boots, slippers, bags, socks and tights.

Runners Need

Located inside the large Cotswold Outdoor store on Lemon Quay, Runners Need is one of the best shoe shops in Truro that offers expert advice and technical product support, whether you’re attempting your first park run or tenth marathon. An in-store gait analysis and fitting service ensures you’ll get just the right running shoe for you, and when you’ve finished with your running gear, you can even recycle it in-store.

Furniture shops in Truro

Illustrated Living

Come to Illustrated Living to find high-quality, hand-picked furniture and lifestyle products that you can’t find on the high street. Beautiful, modern and unique, the collections include chic furniture, lighting, mirrors, soft furnishings and small-storage ideas from leading English and Scandinavian designers. Also in store is a gorgeous selection of women’s clothing, jewellery and beauty products.

Uneeka Home

When it comes to independent furniture shops in Truro, look no further than this store. It specialises in unique, ethically sourced, eco-friendly and expertly crafted furniture, homewares and lighting, from local makers and global artisans. Kit out your living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining room or home office with help from the Uneeka Home in-store interior design service if you wish. A sister store, Uneeka Life, is around the corner on Boscawen Street, with the popular Café Uneeka above.

Clothes shops in Truro

Bishop Phillpott

If you’re seeking interesting clothes shops in Truro, then Bishop Phillpott is a must. For two decades, the store has been bringing luxury fashion to the heart of Cornwall, and now it is embracing a new chapter: carefully selected, pre-loved designer pieces. Alongside sustainable style, Bishop Phillpott also sells brand-new, capsule collections from favourite brands. Look out for American Vintage, Isabel Marant, McQueen, MaxMara and more.

Busby & Fox

One of nine stores around the country, Busby & Fox is an independent women’s clothing shop in Truro that focuses on comfort, confidence and year-round style. Its exclusive designs are complemented by carefully selected jewellery, accessories and homeware, and displayed in a delightful and welcoming interior. One-to-one shopping appointments are available to help you find just the right pieces for your wardrobe.

Stay with us in Truro

Make your escape to Truro even more memorable by staying in one of our hand-picked holiday cottages – perfectly placed for browsing the shops by day and relaxing by night. Book your Truro cottage today and start planning your Cornish getaway.

Written by Katherine Sorrell

Freelance Content Writer

Cornwall-based writer aiming to share my love of this inspiring place far and wide.