Shops is just the term people use. Most rely on the city's stocks replenishing themselves as they do. Others, like the forge and the leather store, work pretty much independently of that and use bartering. If you've nothing to barter, then it shouldn't be a problem for now – you've just arrived, after all.

[Having noted that she was uncomfortable with his blade earlier, he decides to inform her of why he has it out.]

Unless you're confident that you can handle yourself in a fight and have a hunter's senses, don't step too far outside the city. All kinds of creatures roam this island – wargs, wendigos, kelpies and worse. There are non-aggressive creatures as well, but you'll have to keep watch for those three primarily.

… If you want to improve your skills, there's a training school next to the old police station. The headmaster knows most mêlée weapons and there's another instructor who's mastered all kinds of ranged weapons. I spend at least an hour a day there to maintain my proficiencies.

We don't have any instructors for magic of any kind, though.