Contempo
Stirling's beloved independent gift shop where thoughtful curation meets exceptional service.
4.7
A Treasure Trove in Stirling's Historic Centre
Contempo occupies a prime location on King Street in the heart of Stirling, positioning itself as an essential stop for visitors and locals seeking distinctive gifts and homeware. The shop's carefully curated inventory spans jewellery, candles, greetings cards, handbags, and Scottish souvenirs, with particular strength in items celebrating Highland heritage and contemporary design. Each product is selected with thoughtfulness, ensuring that browsers encounter items across diverse price points and aesthetic preferences.The Art of Attentive Service
The defining characteristic of Contempo is its commitment to customer care that extends beyond typical retail interactions. Staff members are trained to be knowledgeable and responsive without being intrusive, creating an environment where customers feel valued rather than pressured. The shop's approach to service includes personalised assistance—from offering ring sizers for jewellery purchases to providing local recommendations for dining and further exploration. This philosophy has resulted in customers returning repeatedly and recommending the shop to others, with many noting that staff members remember previous visits and preferences.Quality and Variety Across Price Ranges
Contempo distinguishes itself by offering genuine variety in both product type and price point. Whether seeking an affordable greeting card, a mid-range gift item, or a more substantial jewellery piece, customers find options that suit their budget. The inventory includes contemporary pieces alongside timeless designs, allowing shoppers to discover items suited to different tastes and occasions. The shop's online presence extends this selection, offering delivery options for those unable to visit in person.Scottish Heritage and Modern Aesthetics
The shop celebrates Scottish culture through its souvenir selection, particularly items featuring Highland imagery such as Highland cow designs. Simultaneously, Contempo maintains a modern sensibility in its overall aesthetic, blending traditional Scottish elements with contemporary homeware and gift trends. This balance appeals to both tourists seeking authentic local products and residents looking for stylish additions to their homes.A Relaxed Browsing Experience
The atmosphere within Contempo is deliberately cultivated to encourage unhurried exploration. Customers frequently note that they enter intending to purchase one item and leave with several, suggesting that the shop's layout and presentation naturally encourage discovery. The environment is welcoming without being overwhelming, making it suitable for solo shoppers, families, and those with varying levels of shopping enthusiasm.Local tips
- Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter browsing experience; Saturday afternoons tend to be busier with both tourists and local shoppers.
- Ask staff for personalised recommendations—they have extensive knowledge of the inventory and can suggest items based on your budget and the recipient's interests.
- If purchasing jewellery, request a ring sizer to ensure perfect fit for online orders; the shop offers this service at no extra cost.
- Check the online store for items not currently in stock; the shop offers fast delivery and a 30-day returns policy for online purchases.
- Allow extra time for browsing—the curated selection and attractive displays often lead to discovering unexpected items beyond your original shopping list.
A brief summary to Contempo
- 19 King St, Stirling, FK8 1DN, GB
- +441786478097
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-5:30 pm