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King’s speech includes proposed bills to reform retail industry

22 Jul 2024

The King’s Speech in Parliament last week, which outlined 40 draft laws that the government is aiming to pass in the coming parliamentary session, included some that will directly affect... Read more…

Convenience Stores Top List of Services that Promote Local Growth

22 Jul 2024

The nation’s local convenience stores are the number one service for promoting local growth, according to new findings.
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Business rate reform called for as industry reacts to landslide Labour election win

9 Jul 2024

Following Labour’s general election win, the retail industry has stressed the need for a business rates overhaul to protect high streets across the country.
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Bira calls on new Labour government to prioritise independent retail sector

9 Jul 2024

Following Labour’s landslide Election victory, Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association, has urged the new government to make good on its promise of change by prioritising the... Read more…

Much loved toyshop saved by owner's daughter

9 Jul 2024

A much-loved toy shop in Aberystwyth that was facing closure has been saved after the former shopkeeper's daughter decided to take over the reins.
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Inverness-based retailer wins coveted Drapers Award for Best Independent Footwear Retailer

9 Jul 2024

A family-owner retailer in Inverness, Begg Shoes, has been named Best Independent Footwear Retailer at the 2024 Drapers Footwear Awards, held annually to celebrate the outstanding achievements... Read more…

'Pay-as-you-feel' barber wins hairdressing award

9 Jul 2024

A man who offers "pay-as-you-feel" haircuts has been named the UK's best barber.
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The Times publishes its list of the seven best shopping streets in the UK

24 Jun 2024

The Times has just published its list of the seven best shopping streets in the UK.
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Indie retail village wins Hospitality Hero Velvet Award for 2024

24 Jun 2024

An independent retail village in Ely that celebrates its one-year anniversary this month has won the Hospitality Hero Velvet Award for 2024.
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Bike shop owner slams police’s “abject apathy” after three shops broken into in one night

24 Jun 2024

A cycle shop owner has criticised the police’s “abject apathy” towards bike theft after thieves attempted to break into his store for the second time in a year, on the same... Read more…

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The Times names prettiest towns for indie Christmas shopping

Posted on in Business News

With just over six weeks until Christmas, The Times has named what it says are the seven prettiest towns in the UK for Christmas shopping, making special mention of the presence of independent shops to pick up that special Christmas gift.

pretty town

Those making the cut are Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, with special mentions for homeware at Broug’s, designer crafts at Wood & Wire, fair-trade fashion and ethical gifts at Spirals and smellies at the Yorkshire Soap Company.

St Andrews in Fife is praised for its excellent vintage stores and gorgeous bookshops like Topping & Co as well as whisky purveyors, Luvians Bottle Shop; cashmere boutiques like Johnstons of Elgin and suppliers of golfing paraphernalia , The Golf Shop of St Andrews.

Third on the list is Frome in Somerset, which is praised for its “marvellous shopping”. The Times recommends Raves from the Grave record store or the ceramicist-owned Ground for pots and plates.

Cardigan is referenced for its historic shops, with special shout-outs for Tonnau for surf gear, Nant Designs for hand-printed cards and books and Custom House Gallery, which sells works by local artists.

Indie stores that get a special mention in Cambridge include Ark for “gifts for interesting people”, the Cambridge Satchel Company for bags, Serena for jewellery, Laird Hatters for headwear and Lost in Vinyl for records.

The Times piece mentions that there has been a market outside Ludlow Castle since at least 1086 whilst also mentioning Bodenhams for clothes and gifts; Little Twidlets for eco-friendly items; Ludlow Vintage for homeware and The Shop at St Laurence for not-for-profit selling jewellery, toys and more.

The seventh of the seven is Lewes. Highlights include Along Came She, which the article describes as “a cut above your average village womenswear store”; Closet & Botts; Rehab for new and vintage clothing, and From Victoria for botanical gifts.

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