10 Amazing Small Businesses to Support this Small Business Saturday
27 November 2020 • 7 min read
Looking to shop small this Small Business Saturday? Here are 10 amazing businesses to support 👇
This Small Business Saturday, ditch the chain shops and go local. You might be surprised at the wonders you’ll find away from the hustle and bustle of the busy supermarkets and high street heavyweights.
To celebrate Small Business Saturday, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 independent small businesses in the UK that keep our local communities alive and thriving during even the darkest days. Check them out below!
Pirrip Press, Bristol
Send season’s greetings to someone you’re missing this Christmas with a beautifully unique card from Pirrip Press in Bristol. Founded in 2012 by Alexandra Higlett and Georgina Hounsome, Pirrip Press is a small studio specialising in Silkscreen printing. Not only are these illustrated cards wholesome in their appearance, they’re also made from recycled or left-over card from their printing studio.
What’s more, 100% of the profits go to the Trussel Trust, who run a network of 428 foodbanks across the UK. Although their physical store is currently shut, the team are taking orders through their online marketplace. They’ve also got some super cute advent calendars that will only set you back a £5 and help support a worthy cause!
Jumbo Records, Leeds
Music lovers of Leeds will likely already be well versed with the city’s best loved independent record shop, but if not, make a point of visiting Jumbo Records ASAP.
Located on Merrion Street, this shop has been supplying the city with everything from punk rock to disco classics since 1971. They have hand sanitiser on the door and gloves to keep safe, but you can also shop their range from their online store, too. When life resumes as normal, Jumbo Records is also the place to pick up some gig tickets.
Beanies Whole Food, Sheffield
Can’t get a delivery slot for your grocery shopping? It’s not the end of the world – after all, who needs chain supermarkets when you’ve got an independent, ethical food shop stacked with fresh products from local brands? This Small Business Saturday, head down to Beanies Whole Food on Crookes Valley Road and stock up on delicious ingredients.
This shop embodies the meaning of community spirit; the lovely team here are dedicated in keeping the people of Sheffield supplied with everything they need to eat a healthy diet, even during lockdown. If you haven’t already, sign up to their organic box scheme and get your 4th box free, as well as a free tea towel designed by the children of local customers!
Braderie, Nottingham
This little gem is standing up against fast fashion and providing the people of Nottingham with stylish vintage gear in the process. During lockdown, Braderie has been dedicated in helping the student community by offering advice and support through their blog, and they’ve also got 10% off their whole range for students looking to refresh their wardrobe without contributing to the fast fashion economy.
You can find this independent business on Pelham St – pop in and say hello to the welcoming staff and marvel at the many wonders the shop has to offer, from handmade facemasks to Christmas jumpers that are bound to make everyone around the table jealous this year!
Bring Your Own, London
Sustainability is at the core of Bring Your Own’s business model, a plastic-free supermarket situated in South London. The clue is in the name: when you go there to shop, you bring your own container to stock up on pasta, rice, coffee, dried fruit, grains, cereal, soy sauce, wine and even cleaning and beauty products. They’re all stored in jars, which harks back to a time before the world went plastic-crazy.
We can only hope that the big supermarkets take notice, take inspiration and put the environment ahead of convenience. If you’re running low on supplies, make like the name and bring a container or two to refill your cupboards for the next few weeks.
Independent Spirit of Bath, Bath
Planning a wild night in or need to restock the shelves for pres? Leave the alcohol aisle in Morrison’s alone for a change and sample the craft beer and cocktail grade spirits, single malt whiskies, fine wines and one of the biggest selections of world and craft beers in the South West.
The Independent Spirit of Bath is an emporium of alcohol that is brewed/distilled locally, and the owners are dedicated in sticking to their roots.However, craft beer lovers, take note – this independent shop operates on the ancient laws of Dibs: their beers go quickly, so if you can’t get down to their shop in time, you’ll need to DM them and ask them to set aside whatever you’re after so that you don’t miss out on their new creations.
October Books, Southampton
Avoid Amazon and support the local economy with a trip to this eco-friendly bookshop in Southampton. Whether you’re looking for the latest releases, the old classics bestsellers or specialist literature, you’ll find a new book to lose yourself in this winter at October Books. If that wasn’t enough, this charming little shop now stocks a range of organic products, fair trade foods and green toiletries that are all sourced from local suppliers.
During lockdown, this independent business has continued their commitment to delivering their vibrant programme of events to the local community through online channels. The staff here come from a range of different backgrounds and are always nothing less than warm and welcoming when you pop by to pick up a book for your course (or for your downtime!)
Bread Source, Norwich
Supporting local businesses isn’t just psychologically satisfying when you shop at Bread Source – it’s also mouth-wateringly delicious. This artisan bakery specialises in simple, honest produce for the local community. Their bread is made traditionally with high quality local ingredients and no artificial additives – it’s the kind of bread that steals the show in a sandwich.
During the pandemic, Bread Source have been offering a continuous 20% discount for workers in the health and social care industries. They’ve also launched a delivery service for those in isolation, the elderly and other at-risk groups, along with an out-of-area delivery service. It’s these kinds of businesses that help the community in Norwich to thrive. Get in there quick and sample one of their iconic mince pies!
The Glamorous Owl, Newcastle
Tucked away on the cobbled streets of Old George Yard is an independent jewellery store that has made a name for itself for the beautiful, hand-made jewellery, leatherwork and art that adorns its shelves. Over 60 local artists’ work is featured here, bringing a diverse range of designs and stories from across Newcastle together into one quirky shop that continues to attract attention from regulars and those new to the city.
Unlike chain shops, The Glamorous Owl provides visitors with the chance to create their own piece with the help of their experts and artists in the shop itself. Drop in, learn a new skill and leave with a unique item of jewellery to gift to someone special this Christmas.
Finney's, Coventry
Located in the heart of Coventry, this coffeehouse is a student favourite – and we couldn’t agree more. Serving fresh toasties, bagels and coffee that makes Starbucks taste like instant Kenco. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with instant, but if you do fancy a warming treat, we couldn’t recommend this place enough.
Along with the coffee itself, the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and independent community spirit is enough to make you stay for another cup. To us, Finney's is the ideal study spot – and the prices are all student-friendly.
What’s your favourite independent shop? We’d love to hear from you on Instagram!
