Best General Stores in OSRS for Adventurers and Profit Seekers

Best General Stores in OSRS for Adventurers and Profit Seekers

General stores in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are versatile hubs where players can buy and sell almost any tradeable item. Unlike specialty shops, they accept a wide variety of goods, making them essential for offloading loot, grabbing quick supplies, or even turning a profit. Whether you’re a new player starting your journey or a seasoned adventurer looking to optimize your gameplay, knowing the best general stores can save you time and boost your gold. In this guide, we’ll explore the top general stores in OSRS, their unique features, and how to make the most of them.

General stores are marked by a pot icon on the map and are scattered across Gielinor, from bustling cities to remote villages. They’re a one-stop shop for basic supplies like pots, jugs, and hammers, and they allow players to sell miscellaneous items that don’t fit in specialty stores. Their stock often includes player-sold items, which can lead to rare bargains or profitable flips. For Ironmen, general stores are a lifeline for unnoting items or grabbing niche tools early in the game.

Key Features of General Stores

  • Universal Trade: They accept nearly all tradeable items, unlike specialty shops.
  • Dynamic Stock: Player-sold items appear in the store’s inventory, creating unique opportunities.
  • Restocking: Basic items restock quickly, ensuring availability.
  • Profit Potential: Savvy players can buy low and sell high by monitoring stock.

Top General Stores in OSRS

Not all general stores are created equal. Some stand out due to their location, accessibility, or unique stock. Below, we dive into the best general stores in OSRS, highlighting what makes each special.

Lumbridge General Store

The Lumbridge General Store, located north of Lumbridge Castle, is a hotspot for new players and veterans alike. As the first store many encounter after arriving in Gielinor, it’s always buzzing with activity. Its proximity to the Lumbridge spawn point makes it ideal for quick trips to sell loot or grab essentials.

  • Location: North of Lumbridge Castle, easily accessible via Home Teleport.
  • Stock Highlights: Pots, jugs, shears, buckets, and occasionally player-sold items like bronze armor or logs.
  • Why It’s Great: High player traffic means a constantly refreshed stock with potential bargains.

Tip: Check the store for low-level gear sold by new players—it’s often cheaper than the Grand Exchange.

Falador General Store

Nestled in the heart of Falador, the Falador General Store is a favorite for players training in the White Knights’ city. Its central location and proximity to a bank make it a convenient stop for selling loot from nearby activities like mining or combat training.

  • Location: Central Falador, near the park and bank.
  • Stock Highlights: Basic tools (hammers, chisels) and occasional mid-tier items like steel weapons.
  • Why It’s Great: Ideal for players grinding in Falador who need to offload items quickly.

Tip: Combine visits with White Knight purchases for efficient inventory management.

Varrock General Store

The Varrock General Store, located in Varrock Square, is one of the most iconic shops in OSRS. Historically a trading hub before the Grand Exchange, it remains a go-to spot for players in the city.

  • Location: Varrock Square, steps from the Grand Exchange.
  • Stock Highlights: Standard supplies plus player-sold items like runes or crafting materials.
  • Why It’s Great: Its proximity to the Grand Exchange lets you compare prices and flip items for profit.

Tip: Look for overstocked items sold at a discount—perfect for quick flips.

Edgeville General Store

For PvPers and skillers in the Wilderness, the Edgeville General Store is a hidden gem. Located just south of the Edgeville bank, it’s a quick stop for players returning from Wilderness adventures.

  • Location: South of Edgeville bank, near the Wilderness ditch.
  • Stock Highlights: Basic supplies and occasional PvP loot like runes or food.
  • Why It’s Great: Perfect for offloading Wilderness loot without trekking far.

Tip: Check for high-value PvP drops sold by players in a rush—they’re often underpriced.

Al Kharid General Store

The Al Kharid General Store, near the palace, is a fantastic choice for players in the desert region. Its closeness to a lodestone and bank makes it a practical spot for unnoting items or selling loot from nearby activities like tanning or mining.

  • Location: Central Al Kharid, near the palace and lodestone.
  • Stock Highlights: Standard items plus desert-specific goods like waterskins.
  • Why It’s Great: Great for Ironmen needing to unnote items far from other banks.

Tip: Sell tanning byproducts here for quick gold while training Crafting.

How to Profit from General Stores

General stores aren’t just for convenience—they can be gold mines if you know how to use them. Here’s how to turn these shops into profit machines.

Buying Low, Selling High

Player-sold items in general stores are often priced based on their low alchemy value (40% of base value when stock is empty, dropping to 10% when overstocked). If you spot valuable items like runes, ores, or gear at a discount, buy them and resell on the Grand Exchange.

Example: A rune scimitar (value: 15,000 coins) might sell for 6,000 coins in an overstocked store. Buy it and flip it for 25,000 coins on the GE.

Selling Strategically

When selling to general stores, prices start at 40% of an item’s value but decrease by 3% per overstocked item. To maximize profit, sell items to stores with low stock or hop worlds to find empty inventories.

Table: Selling Price Example (Tiara, Value: 100 Coins)

Stock Level Sell Price (Coins) % of Value
0 (Empty) 40 40%
1 37 37%
10+ 10 10%

Tip: Avoid overstocked stores to keep your sell prices high.

World Hopping for Deals

Store stock varies by world, so hop between worlds to find underpriced items or empty stocks for selling. This is especially effective in busy stores like Varrock or Lumbridge.

Tips for Ironmen Using General Stores

Ironmen can’t buy player-sold items from general stores (except in specific leagues), but these shops are still invaluable for unnoting items or grabbing early-game tools.

Unnoting Items

Sell noted items to a store and buy them back unnoted, losing only a small amount of gold. The Al Kharid General Store is perfect for this due to its lodestone access.

Example: Sell 100 noted logs, buy them back unnoted, and use them for Firemaking.

Early-Game Supplies

Grab tools like hammers, chisels, or shears from stores like Lumbridge to kickstart skills like Crafting or Construction without needing to grind for drops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While general stores are straightforward, players often make errors that cost time or gold. Here’s what to watch out for.

Overstocking Stores

Dumping too many items into a store lowers sell prices for everyone. Check stock levels before selling in bulk.

Ignoring World Differences

Don’t assume every world has the same stock. Hop to quieter worlds for better buy/sell prices.

Missing Bargains

Valuable items can slip through the cracks in busy stores. Regularly check stock in places like Edgeville for unexpected deals.

General Store Do’s and Don’ts

  • Do: Compare store prices to the Grand Exchange for profit opportunities.
  • Do: Use stores near banks for efficient trading.
  • Don’t: Sell rare items to stores—they’re worth more on the GE.
  • Don’t: Ignore stock levels when selling in bulk.

Final Thoughts

General stores in OSRS are more than just beginner shops—they’re dynamic marketplaces with untapped potential. Whether you’re unloading loot in Lumbridge, flipping items in Varrock, or unnoting supplies in Al Kharid, these stores can enhance your gameplay. By understanding their mechanics and visiting the best locations, you’ll save time, make gold, and adventure smarter. Next time you’re passing a pot icon, stop by—you might just find a deal that changes your game.