By Radka Hostasova
As we head towards the end of another year we are slowly approaching the time of the year when shopping plays an important role! Hunting Christmas presents can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially in busy supermarkets and crowded high streets dominated by persistent adverts and ‘this year’s must-haves’.
How about changing the routine this year and instead discover the gems amongst local businesses? Buying from small, independent businesses has a number of advantages.
- By purchasing a gift from a local seller you’ll not only be spreading the joy between your friends and family, you’ll also bring a big smile to the face behind a small business.
- You’ll be supporting the local creative economy.
- Many independent sellers items are handcrafted, which means that every single piece is original and unique. Additionally, handmade products are often made using sustainable techniques and eco-friendly materials.
- And finally, shopping local has a much more personal feel. You can get to know the person behind the business and feel even more connected to your local area.
So, if we’ve convinced you to visit local businesses we have listed the most popular shops and events where you can shop independent in Liverpool.
1. Shop at independent gift shops
Liverpool is bursting with lots of talented designers and artists. Popping into an independent store is the best way to see their work and purchase a piece from them. Merseymade is a great place to pick up gifts from a vast array of artists. Located in the heart of Liverpool, Merseymade is divided into a shopping area and a cute café on the ground floor. Moreover, the first floor serves as a studio space for artists to create and engage with customers.
Ten Streets Market and Red Brick Market are also worth visiting to stock up on gifts. Both markets are in the industrial zones – whereas Ten Streets is located the north of Liverpool, Red Brick can be found in Baltic Triangle. However, both places offer a range of local food, drinks, artworks and fashion.
2. Shop online with Good Liverpool
Online shopping can be more convenient for a lot of us, and the good news is you can still shop locally, online, with Good Liverpool. The platform is filled with positive vibes, celebrating sellers who make a good impact and encouraging buyers to shop with purpose. As their slogan says: ‘Do good. Feel good.’
3. Local Arts & Crafts Markets
Meeting local artists and business owners in person is always a one of a kind experience. For customers who prefer wandering around a number of different stalls, Liverpool has so much to offer.
Open Culture curates huge, twice-yearly Arts Markets in Liverpool Cathedral. The Arts Markets gather some the best local artists, makers and creators in Liverpool and the North West under one roof for one of the most popular arts market in the region. Tickets for the Winter Arts Markets on Friday 3 & Saturday 4 December are on sale now.
The charming environment of Sefton Park’s Palm House also hosts pop-up markets. Palm House visitors can shop from small businesses, grab a cup of coffee and homemade cake and enjoy live music.
However, the possibilities of local shopping go beyond with the Good Market organised by Good Liverpool. Events are held on monthly basis in Chapters of Us, Dovedale Towers or Pins Social Club on Duke Street. Similarly, MAKE Liverpool invites customers to Summer and Winter Arkade Market located in The Invisible Wind Factory.
4. Independent record shops
There is no doubt that Liverpool has a rich music heritage and music lovers with a weakness for vinyl have also many options to shop local.
Probe Records is an independent store at The Bluecoat. Similar treasures can be found in 81 Renshaw, Defend Vinyl on Smithdown Road, Penny Lane Records, or Phase One on Seel Street. For those who don’t mind taking a journey over the water, Rockpoint Records in New Brighton awaits!
5. Independent plant shops
Not just handmade gifts, food and drinks can be sourced locally. Several small businesses in Liverpool focus on selling plants that come from around the world. While shopping in the city centre, you can visit Lisa in her beautiful store Root Houseplants in the Bluecoat. If you prefer hanging around Lark Lane, you shouldn’t miss Freida Mo’s – a colourful, vibrant place selling plants, gifts and vintage fashion.