Helping and Inspiring The Nation to Shop Independent
I love shopping at independent shops, whether that is online, on the high street or at a stall at a market or an event.
Shopping independent is often seen as a “good deed” – something we should do. But that isn’t how I see it. For me the benefits are all about me! This means I get to do something that I love doing whilst also knowing I support the UK economy and all the other benefits that we all gain from.
To get to the bottom of what’s in it for me, I mulled over what if the only place to shop was with the big market places or one of the huge retailers the thought scared me by the way). What would I, as an avid user of small businesses, lose out on and miss most?
Here are 10 selfish reasons to shop independent shops around your wallet, your joy, your choice and your life.
Pawshtails – Red Dog Gear
Independent shops don’t have a cookie-cutter selection. They handpick their collections using their expert knowledge, a personal understanding of their customer and using their well researched suppliers. Some create their own unique products too. All offer something special. You get to be the one with the “Where did you find that?!” moment.
✨ Be the friend with the best taste.
Pen Pusher Art Supplies Washi Tape
Independent shops are full of personality, passion, and stories. It’s the opposite of mindless scrolling or soulless supermarkets. Real humans, curated collections, joyful experiences. Shopping with people who have a real passion for what they do, get to know their customers, go that extra mile and do everything with personality, is a joyful way to shop.
🙌Retail therapy that actually feels good – shop independent.
The Chiswick Gift Company – Enamel Pin The Chosen One
Love the planet? Hate fast fashion? Want better quality? Buy British? Keep your money in the UK? Whatever matters to you – there’s an independent shop that’s already aligned. Shopping indie is values-based shopping made easy.
✨Your values. Your money. Your choice. Shop independent.
ZippyUp – White with Navy Dots Zipped Babygrow
Indie shops are picky. They care. They source products that last and matter – not ones built for a landfill. And no inflated prices for logos or celebrity ads. With indies you tend to buy less and choose well. In the long run that is better value. As the saying goes “buy cheap, buy twice”.
✨Buy less, choose well. Independents make it easy.
Colmers Hill Fashion – Pansy Pop Short Kimono
Indie shopkeepers care if you’re happy. They wrap your parcel with love, answer your questions with care, and often remember you next time. It’s personal.
🙌Want customer service that actually feels human? Shop with small businesses.
Beyond Measure – Yarn Thread String Book from Uppercase Magazine
Big retail shows you what they want you to buy. Indies show you what they love – and what you might love too. It’s discovery, not just delivery. Obviously small businesses want to make a profit from what they do, but for them, unlike the big players in the retail sector, they aren’t driven solely by profit.
✨Break up with boring shopping. Find joy in your shopping experience.
Siop Cwlwm – Mam Bamboo Socks Welsh Gift
Indie shops are a treasure trove of thoughtful, meaningful, and downright genius gift ideas. You’ll be known as the best gift-giver.
✨Warning: shopping indie may result in legendary gift-giving status.
SN Cards – Peonies With a Bee Card
Independent shops shape your high street, your community, your online world. The ones you shop with are the ones that stick around.
✨Where you shop shapes the world you live in. Choose wisely.
Daffodowndilly – Hare Notebook
That candle from a maker in Yorkshire. That handmade dog bowl from Wales. That zero-waste beauty brand. The sewing shop with quality tools. The clothes boutique with in house designed ranges. The ethical fashion range at the small online store. I could definitely go on. These are products and shops worth sharing.
✨“I found it in a tiny indie shop.”
My Beautiful Pen – This is Us New Baby Wall Print
🙌Because you’re not just shopping – you’re making a difference to someone’s day, someone’s dream, and your own life too. Instant good vibes.
I get to choose where I shop and what I buy. I want these independent shops in my life. I want to experience the joy I feel when I shop with them (or even browse them or view their personality rich social media). Imagine a UK without them. Actually don’t, it is a sad thought.
✨I want choice, I want to choose.
💬Yes, shopping independent supports real people and helps the economy. But let’s not forget – it also makes shoppers happier, more stylish, more thoughtful, and more connected. So go on… be a little selfish. Choose independent.
Love discovering amazing indie shops?
Explore our online shopping directory at Love Our Shops UK – full of small businesses worth shouting about.
What do you think? Am I right to fly the shop independent flag, shop with small businesses as much as I possibly can and help you find these amazing shops online?
I appreciate these hard working shop keepers. I appreciate them being in my world and would like to see every one of them thrive, more new shops opening everyday and contributing to our beautiful future.
Do you agree with me on this? Are there more reasons for ensuring small businesses remain in our lives? Please do share them with me. You can find my contact details here.
Thank you for reading and please shop independent as much as you possibly can, it is the best way to shop.
Happy shopping!
Barbara
All opinions in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory.
Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you.
Tags: Independent Shops Online, Shop Independent