Children’s Apparel
Polarn O. Pyret. Minnesota is not often one of the first places a European brand targets for U.S. expansion, but Sweden’s largest children’s apparel retailer, Polarn O. Pyret, it was an obvious choice. Even before opening this fall at the Galleria in Edina, PO.P had an enthusiastic customer base here: Minnesota is one of PO.P’s top markets for online sales. From striped basics to performance outerwear in bright colors, their practical but modern vibe is our vibe. Galleria, 952-225-3154, polarnopyretusa.com
Men’s Apparel
Askov Finlayson. Catering to the classically styled (emphasis on styled) man as well as contemporary design enthusiasts, with a smattering of apparel, jewelry, gifts, and home accessories from quality brands including a few modern Scandinavian lines like Norse Project, Skultuna and Fjallraven. 200 N. 1st St. Mpls., 612-206-3925, askovfinlayson.com
Gifts, Home Design and More
Crate & Barrel. The home store has teamed up with Marimekko on a line of textiles and home goods in the brand’s signature bold patterns. Galleria, 952-920-2300, crateandbarrel.com
FinnStyle. This sophisticated, gallery-like store pays homage to modern Scandinavian design with housewares all designed or made in Finland. Find glassware, porcelain, and cutlery from iittala and textiles by Marimekko. FinnStyle is well-known around the world as a top online retailer of Scandinavian brands. Lucky for us, the company is based in Minneapolis, and has its only bricks and mortar store here. 160 Glenwood Ave., Mpls., 612-333-2127, finnstyle.com
Iverson’s True Nordic style is at the heart of this Twin Cities fixture. The store features tableware, glass candleholders, and other home accessories by Finnish and Swedish artisans, plus silk wool sweaters and merino wool throw blankets from Norwegian designer Oleana. 5101 Excelsior Blvd. St. Louis Park, 952-545-6051, iversonsimports.com
Danish Teak Modern. The best local source to outfit your whole house with fine vintage Danish modern furniture. 1500 Northeast Jackson St., Mpls. 612-362-7870, danishteakclassics.com
Golden Age Design. A Robbinsdale-based husband-and-wife duo who scouts out and refinishes midcentury classics. facebook.com/goldenagedesign
Succotash. A great little vintage shop with furniture and accessories. 781 Raymond Ave., St. Paul, 651-603-8787
Classic Retro @ Pete’s. Like all vintage havens, it’s hit-or-miss, but worth a stop for furnishings and accents. 2145 University Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-224-5235, stpaulretroloop.blogspot.com
Spinario. Housed in the Art & Architecture building, this place is always full of mid-century furniture, lighting, barware, and accents. 3338 University Ave. SE., Mpls., spinariodesign.com
Museum Shops
American Swedish Institute. With its modern building expansion, the American Swedish Institute’s museum store is now front and center. It’s ok to stop by just to shop—they actually encourage that. The store has expanded its offerings considerably to celebrate modern Scandinavian design, with a few sacred nods to the past, such as Dala horses. As ASI hopes to become a destination for weddings, the store is stepping up its housewares and adding a registry. They’ve also gone out of their way to find lines not available elsewhere in town. 2600 Park Ave. S., Mpls., 612-870-3378, shopswedish.com
Walker Art Center. The stunning Walker Art Center has a shop full of contemporary gifts, modern art books, and fabulous artisan jewelry, with an emphasis on unique, design-based items, including many Scandinavian brands. 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-375-7633, walkerart.org/shop