4 May 2026
Ootside: A Different Kind of Gift Shop, Built on Local Discovery
Ootside is a curated gift store in Inverurie, bringing together a range of products created by independent makers across the UK. The focus is simple—offer something a bit different. From gifts for people to treats and accessories for pets, the store is built around sourcing items from small, lesser-known businesses that customers might not usually come across.
Since opening, Ootside has quickly established itself as a place where people come to find something new. Customers often comment that they’ve “never seen anything like it,” which is exactly what the business set out to do—introduce fresh, independent products into the local retail mix.
Built from Both Sides of Retail
The idea for Ootside comes from a background in retail—but from both perspectives. Having previously run a business creating cards and gifts supplied to shops, the move into retail was a natural next step. Recognising a gap in the North East for a store built around independent UK makers, Ootside was created to bridge that space.
The approach is practical and considered—keeping the range focused, evolving over time, and allowing the shop to develop in line with what customers respond to.
Why Inverurie Works
Choosing Inverurie was a deliberate decision. The town’s strong support for local businesses, combined with its mix of independent shops, markets and events, made it the right fit.
There’s a clear appreciation for the way people shop locally here, and that support has been reflected in the response since opening. The store has quickly built a base of regular customers, alongside new visitors drawn in by something a little different on the high street.
Gifts, Dogs, and Something a Bit Different
Ootside’s range is centred around gifts and accessories, with a strong outdoor and lifestyle influence. One of the standout features is the doggy pick and mix, a popular section offering natural treats and supplements, particularly suited to dogs with dietary sensitivities.
The shop is also dog-friendly, welcoming plenty of four-legged visitors, many of whom make repeat appearances. A Dog Wall of Fame has become a small but popular feature, adding to the relaxed and personable feel of the space.
Alongside this, Ootside stocks a wide range of greeting cards—from traditional to more humorous options—along with accessories and gift items sourced from independent UK makers. The store has also recently become the sole North East stockist for Dryrobe products for both people and pets.
A Personal, Evolving Space
Customer experience is a key part of what Ootside offers. The emphasis is on high-quality products and a friendly, informal atmosphere, with many customers returning not just to shop, but to pop in for a chat.
The business is still evolving, with a clear understanding that not everything needs to happen at once. The approach is to grow gradually, refine the offering, and respond to what customers are looking for over time.
Looking Ahead
For now, the focus is on continuing what has already been built—maintaining the feel of the shop while making small improvements along the way. The feedback so far has been strong, with customers describing it as exactly the kind of addition they wanted to see in Inverurie.
Ootside adds something distinct to the town’s retail offering: a space built around independent makers, thoughtful sourcing, and a genuinely personal approach to shopkeeping.
