Supporting Nottingham's independent businesses for Small Business Saturday

The high street has re-opened and the shops are ready to welcome you back. If you’re heading into the city, you’ll find an independent business on every street. It’s these businesses that help create Nottingham’s personality and they’ll offer you a chance to give some thoughtful gifts this Christmas. From Derby Road to Sneinton Market, there’s several stops where you’ll find a hub of independents; West End Arcade, Hurts Yard, Trinity Square and it’s Walks, Market Street, King’s Street, Queen’s Street, St. James Street, Friar Lane, Flying Horse Walk, the Lace Market and Hockley to name a few! You’ll be able to find something for everyone on your list and even spot several places to grab a well- deserved cuppa!

If you’re unable to make the trip to the City but still want to shop local, Nottingham Independents are being even more creative and resourceful than ever before. Taking their high street expertise online means that your Christmas gifting this year can be the most personable and special yet. Not to mention, it’s the perfect way for you to spend a festive evening or two, with a warm cocoa (or mulled wine), shopping from the comfort of your living room!

Did you know that you can still buy an experience? Despite your loved ones being restricted they can still attend a chocolate making workshop or learn how to craft their own jewellery. The tools required for the workshops are delivered to the household and then you/ your friends/ your family join in on a virtual platform and make, alongside the (super friendly) professionals. Perhaps Mum and Dad will need something to do now that they’re not entertaining guests this year.

Shopping online, you miss the interactions with the people behind the shop, or so you thought! Websites ooze personality if created correctly and you can still experience the same feeling of being in store through design and imagery. Not to mention that the customer service and after-care is amplified to ensure a positive experience that sees you return. Quite often with Independents, hand-written notes arrive with the purchase and you are reminded of how much each transaction means to the people behind the business; you’re making their Christmas too!

What about gifts where taste or smell are important? Food and beverage retailers are so well versed in detailing these things through the written word. Some have even created hampers for specific tastes and no doubt many will be providing Christmas hampers, an easy solution for that awkward brother or uncle!

A favourite of ours is shopping and wrapping in one! Less hassle for you, and the recipient also gets something beautifully wrapped! If you buy a card with the gift, they may just write your message for you too. Yes, you don’t have the fun of wrapping, but you’ll save on postage and having to get to the Post Office during a pandemic.

Here’s some helpful pointers for an evening of shopping local this year:

1. Make some time for yourself- a couple of hours is plenty- do it this week so you don’t feel rushed later in the month
2. Get in your comfies and dig out your chosen payment tool.
3. Pour a mug or glass of your favourite Christmassy drink – mince pie optional
4. Put on the log burner or your favourite Christmas tunes (A festive film is always great for getting you in the mood, but could be distracting!) Light a scented candle for optimum effect.
5. Write a list of who you’re buying for and if you have ideas for what to get them. Use pen and paper to keep screen time to a minimum (and you can doodle holly all over the place)
6. List your favourite local shops and remind yourself of how it feels to look around their shop or venue. Maybe close your eyes for this and allow yourself to fully recall that feeling.
7. See if the person/gift matches up with the shops and make notes
8. You’re ready- grab that phone/ laptop/ tablet- You Got This!