Help small shops during Lockdown II
We're heading into a second lockdown and non-essential shops have to close, limiting the ability to reach their customers. It's therefore a really important time to support our independent UK stores. Where possible, I'd prefer my money to help small businesses get through this tough time, rather than large corporations who often pay their taxes in other continents. Our little country is going to be in a right pickle financially so I’m trying to help the economy by spending my money locally. With this in mind, I've decided to make a list of independent businesses from the UK that trade online so that we can help support them through lockdown número dos. I've started with a few of my favourites but if you know of any others then please leave a comment and I'll keep on adding to this list when I find shops that I think my customers will love.
Small choices make a huge difference. So please vote with your money and excuse the cliché allow a small business owner to do a little happy dance this Christmas. It’s true, we really do a little skip and an ‘eek’ when your orders (big or small) come through.
For your home:
Obviously it would be a crime not to recommend my own work, having spent hours curating this blog. Concrete homewares, pet bowls, board games and soaps at Hannah Harriet, all handmade in Yorkshire.
I first got obsessed with Bamaluz when I saw her cat on Instagram, but I also love her handmade wall hangings. She will even make personalised ones of your pet’s face.
I have a Toni Thornton piece called ‘Tempest’ in my living room. Toni is the most lovely human and will be super helpful if you want to ask her about her art work.
Smith and Magpie will have undoubtedly been let down by the wedding restrictions this year, so let’s support them by ordering their gorgeous candlesticks and holders.
There are some incredible agate homewares at Kyla London. I need those bookends in my life, in case anybody wonders what to buy me for Crimbo.
No Needles Chunky Knits have the most lovely (clues in the title) hand knitted chunky knitted throws. I bought a throw for my bed in the past but I MUST treat myself to an extra large grey one for my sofa.
Chris from Clod and Pebble sells handmade pottery. I have one of his mugs but I need to invest in a spoon rest and an oil burner.
There is a gorgeous shop by the sea called The Lillian Daph Store. Endless Scandinavian homewares which I have every confidence my customers will LOVE.
When you walk in to York House it’s like entering a treasure trove. This shop is just down the road from where I live and it is FULL TO THE BRIM of quirky homewares.
For you:
Sadly our calendars didn’t get much use in 2020 but hopefully we will have more luck in 2021. Hello Day Planner sell THE BEST diaries, filled with motivational quotes.
If you need a project to keep you entertained during lockdown then Lauren Aston Designs have some stunning knit kits. I would love one of her long cardigans or AMAZING Santa hat tree toppers.
I have shopped at Renne for years and I wear their jewellery every day (when my hands aren’t covered in concrete).
I am a frequent online customer at Cake or Death. I kid you not, whether you’re vegan or not, these brownies will be the best you ever try. They also have some gluten free ones which are equally as delicious. I have tried them all for ‘market research’.
Tutti and co sell lovely jewellery and masks but best of all they also have a zebra pyjama set - perfect now that we are house bound again.
I order boxes full of DELICIOUS Indian food online from Karma Kitchen. A family run business based in Newcastle. They cook, immediately freeze and post to your door, anywhere throughout mainland England and most of Scotland and Wales. They’re so handy to have in because you have a restaurant standard curry available at all times without the wait. It’s also much more tasty than my local takeaway.