Kuopio Shopping

When I visit Kuopio I often also visit two second hand shops in the city centre, both of them almost next to the market square. The other one is City Pörssi behind the town hall (Maljalahdenkatu 31). It sells second hand stuff owned by private people. You can find anything: good clothes (especially for women) very cheaply, books (also in English), kitchen stuff, handicrafts, jewellery... but it all depends on luck as it all changes rapidly. The prices are usually cheap so if you have forgotten to take a pullover with you it might be worth while to pop in and check: the price for a decent blouse or a pullover could be something between 1 and 5 euros. The place is open every day. The other second-hand shop is called Kontti (Haapaniemenkatu 38), the "'Second Hand Warehouse". It is run by the Finnish Red Cross alias SPR. Sometimes I also check the Rihma Kirpputori (Puijonkatu 39).

Sokos department store is located adjacent to the market square, just next to the department store of Kuopio's own people, Carlson's. The ground floor makes you think that the store is really miniscule, but the second floor expands the space greatly.

Kuopio's Sokos is part of Sokos chain that covers all major cities in Finland (except Oulu -- a fact that I find somewhat puzzling). Their selection is geared heavily towards the middle class, so don't expect any haute couture brands. Sokos is quite good at tableware, carrying Iittala and other Finnish brands.

Carlson is an old trading house from Kuopio. Incidently, their flagship store is located also in the very same town. The location could not be more central, just next to the central market square -- but this is a bit deceiving, as the store continues in a series of buildings that are joined with underground tunnels or walking bridges.

The first store from the market square has men fashion, the next specialises in home decoration and hardware and the third has clothing for women and children. Some special departments are put here and there. In other words, prepare to get lost or at least confused.

The brands and prices are both okay, nothing spectacular or cheapish. Don't let the look and feel of the store to depress you, the stuff is good even if some of the premises aren't.

Even though there are plenty of shops and departement stores downtown Kuopio, if you are travelling by car, you'd probably prefer this place a bit south of the town center. It's large and you can buy almost anything there. The prices are reasonable and the selections are good. Need to buy some alcohol? Also Alko has a shop there (off-licence outlet). You can see the opening hours in the picture. Parking is free unlike at the downtown garages.

This is at the heart of Kuopio and gives a strong contribution to the essence of the town. The townspeople are very proud of it: the 100 years old Kauppahalli market. In fact, they call it THE NAVEL OF THE WORLD (mualiman napa). It's open all year round and it's a special shopping place so you must go if you are in Kuopio.

What to buy: At the Kauppahalli market, you should buy the famous Kalakukko preferably at the stall of Hanna Partanen. It's a local speciality, a loaf of rye bread with fish and pork baked inside. You cut the loaf open at the top (like taking a lid off) then cut in slices and eat either heated or cold. You can aso buy fresh bread and vegetables, other tasty snacks, coffee etc.

What to buy: If you buy a Kuopio Card, you can get discount at many shops, museums and exhibits. The card is valid for a whole year. The Kuopio Card can be obtained from Kuopio-Info, the hotels, the Rauhalahti Holiday Centre or any of the service providers granting discounts to card holders and via internet at: www.gofinland.com (free search "Kuopio Card")

What to pay: Price: 12 eur adults 6 eur kids (5-16 years).

2 more images

The market square, just in the city centre by the town hall, its also a great place for local food hunting, for a coffee break, a beer or even souvenirs shipping. Try the traditional Lörtsy as a snake and check the wonderful forest fruits as the cloudberry (Photo2)

What to buy: Coffee & Lörtsy

The Pikku-Pietari Market Alley is a narrow lane of wooden buildings where artisans sell local crafts of all kinds (jewellery, clothing, etc.)

The people are very friendly and, in the typical fashion of the Finn's laid-back way of life, do not pressure you to buy anything. In fact, at the time of our visit, one of the shoptenders even took us upstairs to show us a small exhibition of local crafts of fabric.

There is also a small cafe with a terrace if you want to stop and enjoy the atmosphere.

The alley is open from June to August, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and until 2 p.m. on weekends.