A guide to independent shopping

In a world of fast fashion, more and more of us are choosing to shop slow. From swapping the supermarket for the local greengrocer to supporting your mate’s clothing brand, there’s tons of ways you can support small, indie businesses. Stuck for ideas on how you can help? We’ve got plenty… 

Go online

The internet is an awesome place to discover new small brands your whole family will love. Try searching Etsy or Not On The High Street for gifts and clothing. Head to Trouva for one of a kind designer pieces or Depop for vintage goods. 

And don’t forget to pledge your support to the Just a Card and Small Business Saturday initiatives to help spread the word.  

Go local 

The UK high street is often a treasure trove of overlooked indie stores and super-cool pop ups. Next time you’re thinking of ‘going into town’ don’t hit up the shopping centre, head for the winding back streets instead. 

Right here in Derbyshire we have Sadler Gate in Derby and the iconic high streets in Belper, Duffield, Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton. Just a little further afield in Nottingham the Lace Market, Sneiton Market and West Bridgford have become hubs for indie brands, vintage clobber and independently owned foodie hotspots. 

If you live elsewhere in the UK, there’s no time like the present to explore your own backyard. See what your high street has to offer – or just make the commitment to grab a drink from your local coffee shop once a week. Remember, every time you buy from a small business a real person does a little happy dance!

Go large

If you’re into small shopping or want to give it a go, it’s important to shout about it. Even a tiny gesture such as giving a good review, sharing an Instagram post or referring a friend can make all the difference to that local business you love. 

It’s also important to make independent shopping a part of your routine. Otherwise you’ll end up buying that dress from ZARA or doing your big shop at the megamart before you know it. 

Plan a family day at a makers market (we love the Mama Meet and Market events), schedule in time to pick up food from the local farm shop and arrange to meet your squad at that new food truck that’s just pitched up (rather than Nando’s again). Independent shopping is super easy when you put a bit of thought (and a lot of fun) into it. 

How do you support indie businesses?

Whether you’re trying to ‘go green’ or would rather support family-run businesses over chain stores, there’s lots of reasons to make the switch to independent shopping. Tell us how you make room for the independent’s in your life and we’ll share your tips with our followers.

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