Kirkcaldy … Undercover

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Almost 200 years ago, a new style of shopping opened in Scotland: The Argyll Arcade – a cut through old tenements – provided a link between Glasgow’s Argyle Street and Buchanan Street. It was Scotland’s first shopping ‘mall’. That was in 1827. In Kirkcaldy, we can claim Scotland’s second oldest arcade – the Olympia. The arcade – originally a linen works when built in 1858 – is now enjoying a period of regeneration. We went ‘undercover’ to explore some of the shops and outlets leading the Arcade’s rejuvenation …

 

Kirkcaldy’s Olympia Arcade includes both established and new business – with more opening soon. This Blog is a taster of those who trade from this unique destination at the west end of the town’s High Street.

4EyeDimensions is a bespoke furniture design and upholstery business …

“Our promise is to create cost effective, bespoke furniture to fit our clients’ needs. We strive to be as eco-friendly as possible, and aim to re-use or recycle in the creation of our products.” As they say, ‘unique’ or ‘bespoke’ doesn’t have to be expensive. Their goal is for everyone to have the tailored lifestyle they deserve at affordable prices. 4EyeDimensions run workshops and classes from time to time: check out their Facebook events’ page for more.

If you’re into superheroes and games, Kingdom Comics sells comics, games galore, models, vinyl records, figurines, books and a great selection of t-shirts …

The store also hosts gaming events from time to time: check out their Facebook events’ page for more.

On a similar trip of nostalgia and all things of quality, KCC Vinyl sell pre-owned and new vinyl to grow your collection – with new titles are arriving all the time. In a week when news published shows annual sales of vinyl albums have exceeded the one-million mark for the first time since the Britpop era of the 90s, it is great to see vinyl making a comeback … and even better to see a store in Kirkcaldy meeting the demand …

The store has attracted some fab reviews on Facebook …

“Brilliant selection of old and new records!Picked up some great bargains today, excellent service will definitely be back and would recommend!”

“Bought a couple new albums today at a decent price. Owner is a nice guy. Top selection despite being a small shop. Top stuff.”

“Great selection of stuff for both DJs and collectors, reasonably priced and excellent service. Well worth a visit!”

Pop by and check out their collections when you’re next in town.

Gents and boys looking for a haircut? The Arcade Barber is a hairdresser for all ages in relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They’re open 7 days a week – late on Thursdays (until 7pm). They have special promotions for the young – and not so young! Pre-school cuts from £6.00 – and the same for the over 65s. They also offer a 25% discount on style cuts for students on Mondays-Wednesdays.

 

Pole O Rama is a dance studio specialising in Pole Dance, Aerial Dance and Burlesque. They offer Aerial Pole, Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, Corde Lisse & more! Their latest timetable for classes can be found via this link.

And after 8 years of teaching and 16 shows, Pole O Rama are staging what they are billing as their ‘Best Of’ show … featuring Pole Dance, Aerial Dance, Burlesque and so much more. You can find more on their events’ via this link.

Public Image is an iconic shop in Kirkcaldy that has been trading for more than 25 years. This year, the company changed hands and is now owned and run by 3 local folk who aim to continue to provide a diverse range of products for those who love an alternative lifestyle …

Looking for nail and beauty treatments – or even in search of some beauty treatment training? Blossom can help …

Blossom is run by Ruth Morrison – a nail tech and beauty therapist. Ruth specialises in sculpted acrylic extensions. She says: “With this technique I can extend nail biters easily and create lots of different effects, nail art and nail shapes.” Another treatment she loves doing – because clients love the result – is Lash Lift. This treatment lifts the lash from the very base and leaves fantastic long lasting results.
Blossom is a small, friendly and relaxed salon. Ruth says she takes pride in providing good quality treatments at a reasonable price so “everyone can have that treat for themselves“. But don’t just take her word for it. Here are just some reviews from Blossom’s customers …

“Ruth is amazing!! Will definitely come back to get my nails done. Absolutely beautiful work”

“I love Ruth doing nails, they last for weeks which is longer than any other salon I have been too x”

“Only place I will go to get my acrylic nails done in Fife”

The Arcade has a new boutique – opened this summer – called Curvy Claes. They strive to give curvier women the boutique experience “that most high street retailers lack and that some small businesses miss“. They also strive to have variety and style.
The boutique owner shares online: “As a ‘plus size’ lass myself, I find it frustrating that the media promotes the ‘skinny’ look. At Curvie Claes we celebrate those curves and embrace what we are told to hide.” And as with so many Kirkcaldy shops, it is the customer service that shines through: just a few comments from their Facebook reviews …

“Went to this shop today not expecting to buy anything as plus size clothes r so expensive however i ended up buying a top n jeans n pants ….”

“Loved this shop. Can’t believe I’ve managed to try on and buy beautiful clothes in my size in Kirkcaldy.”

“Loved the atmosphere, the music & most of all the comfort of the shop. Great friendly family vibe, no pushyness.”

From plus size – to miniatures …

Kirkcaldy’s wee Hobby Shop is the destination for those looking for miniature painting and modelling needs.

 

Next time you’re in town, head to the west end of the High Street to discover this Victorian arcade.

Explore the shops, stores and outlets that are breathing new life into the Olympia.

Thanks for reading.