A thread for supporting local independent high street shops…

[Althenameshavegone]

I’ve just heard of another lovely local independent gift and homewares shop closing down, and there generally seems to be a lot of social media posts from others saying how business is slow.

It’s unsurprising people are spending less and turning to cheap online retailers at the moment considering the cost of living crisis but I thought it might be a nice idea to start a thread of recommendations for local high street independents that also have UK wide online shops for people to use as a resource next time they’re looking for a gift or treat and would like to support a high street business that isn’t necessary local to them, but local to someone…

lets keep it to shops with a high street presence and no links to your own business that might be considered spamming

How often do you use your local independents for gifts OP?

We use ours for flowers, specialist ingredients, hardware.

But the twee craft gifts are dreadful a lot of the time.

I have found though, excellent gifts to be had at school fairs with local suppliers.

My local Boots has shut down, whereas the gift shop is still open. I don’t know if that says anything. I think it’s tough for all. Just no money for frivolities.

Quite a lot, I always buy cards from them and most birthday and Christmas gifts, I try and avoid Amazon etc. usually my main barrier is time and convenience but I’m lucky that I live in a city with a lot of independent shops on my doorstep, which is why I’m surprised at closures local to me. I’m sure there’s other factors like rents, business rates etc of course.

I’ll post up some of my favourites but I didn’t want to put them first incase I was accused of being an owner of one or advertising my own business.

Local high street independent that also has a UK-wide online shop: https://jumpingships.com/product-category/shop-womenswear/
Ethical, customisable clothing, made in UK.

Yep I’m definitely guilty of browsing nice curated shops, wanting to buy something for myself but feeling like spending the money on myself is unjustified, even though it’s something I’ll keep and enjoy forever. Yet I’ll spend the same amount on lunch or a meal out without batting an eyelid.

Fabulous cheese shop (already had to close a couple of branches, so shop online with them!) https://www.mousetrapcheese.co.uk/cheese

Some recommendations from me:

Fun gifts for people who like colour / eco-friendly / vegan
https://hellyeahshop.com/

toys:
https://www.funjunctiontoys.co.uk/

well curated homewares / jewellery / coffee
https://bamglasgow.co.uk/

@Garlicker
The cheese shop looks great, I think I'll use the monthly subscription as a birthday gift for someone. Thanks!