20 of the best independent boutiques to support this Small Business Saturday

From Edinburgh to Cornwall, discover some of Britain and Ireland’s most characterful independent boutiques, offering unique gifts and treasures for mindful shopping.

Let’s be honest: the world economy isn’t in the best shape right now, and many of us are suffering. So, if you do have some cash to spend on presents this year, why not use it to support independent creatives?

Yes, we know it’s easier to just click and order stuff on your phone from Amazon. But independent boutiques have so much more to offer. These carefully curated palaces of creativity are the antithesis of generic high-street shopping. Each offers a distinct vision and personality, carefully curated by passionate owners.

In short, these are not mere stores; they’re community hubs where shopping becomes an experience of discovery and connection. So, at a time when supporting local businesses is more crucial than ever, we’ve compiled a list of 20 remarkable independents in one easy-to-peruse format.

They may vary in size, shape, and focus, but all of these stores demonstrate why shopping small can mean thinking big—about quality, sustainability, and the future of our high streets.

We’ve timed this post to support Small Business Saturday: a grassroots, non-commercial campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to shop locally and support small businesses in their communities. So check out our selection, and find the best gifts for your loved ones this Christmas while supporting fellow creatives.

1. Hoos, Glasgow

Location: 715 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 8QX

A slice of Scandinavian style in Glasgow’s West End, HOOS brings together iconic Nordic design and local Scottish craftsmanship. This design-led lifestyle store near the Botanic Gardens carefully selects functional, timeless pieces that merge quality with contemporary aesthetics. With its sister store inHOOS nearby, it’s a great Glasgow destination for those seeking enduring design with purpose.

2. Old Town General Store, Stockport

Location: 51 Great Underbank, Stockport SK11NE

Born from decades of high-end retail experience, this Stockport gem has evolved into a 2,000-square-foot treasure trove of carefully chosen brands. Recently recognised by The Guardian as one of Britain’s top boutiques, Old Town General Store exemplifies how independent retail can transform historic buildings into vibrant shopping destinations. Head here for everything from cards, mugs and candles to men’s and women’s fashion.

3. Kiti, Cardiff

Location: 85 Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HS

Since 2015, Kiti has brought premium European fashion to the heart of Pontcanna. Owner Gwenno’s vision for accessible luxury shines through in this welcoming space, where carefully selected contemporary labels meet personalised service. It is a fabulous place to find modern, elegant, and distinctive womenswear. Check out their Instagram feed for loads more inspiration, @Kiticymru.

4. Peggs & Son, Brighton

Location: 39 Duke Street, Brighton BN1 1AG

From humble beginnings in 2000, Peggs & Son has become Brighton’s premier destination for discerning menswear. Their Duke Street location, with views toward the historic seafront, houses an expertly curated selection of international brands, from Japanese denim to Scandinavian shirts, all chosen with an eye for quality and style.

5. Maze, Bristol

Location: 26-28 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4DS

A family-run fixture in Clifton since 1985, Maze embodies the spirit of thoughtful retail, focusing on sustainable fashion and design-led homeware. Set against the backdrop of Bristol’s elegant Georgian architecture, this beautifully curated store champions independent lifestyle brands that prioritise both style and consciousness.

6. Koibird, London

Location: Koibird, 62 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2PB

Offering clothing, homeware, jewellery and more, seasoned traveller Belma Gaudio’s concept boutique is a spectacular showcase for playful maximalism. Each season, the space is transformed around a fresh theme, creating an ever-evolving retail adventure. This fur-free, exotic, skin-free business proves that responsible retail can coexist with theatrical presentation and carefully curated luxury.

7. Scout, Dublin

Location: 5 Smock Alley Court, Essex Street West, Dublin 8

Nestled in Temple Bar’s historic quarter, Scout has evolved from its 2008 origins into a celebration of timeless design. Wendy Crawford’s expertly edited collection spans Irish craftsmanship to international labels, creating a space where functionality meets beauty in everything from clothing to homewares, stationery to art prints, and much else besides.

8. Envoy of Belfast, Belfast

Location: 4 Wellington Street, Co Antrim Belfast BT1 6HT

This Wellington Street sanctuary stands as a testament to thoughtful curation. Each piece is selected for its exceptional quality, design, and craftsmanship. You’ll find designer clothing, footwear, and accessories here, and the friendly and inviting staff make every visit feel personal and considered.

9. Aarven, Margate

Location: 34 King Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1DA

Founded by two adventurers, Bee Friedmann and Shiba Inu, this seaside store brings global artisanship to Margate’s creative quarter. Aarven is a Germanic word meaning ‘friend of the people’, and these homeware and jewellery collections support over 30 artisan groups worldwide. What’s more, their commitment to sustainability extends from production to packaging.

10. Hare & Wilde, North Yorkshire

Location: 4 Market Street, Malton YO17 7LY

Laura and Will’s Malton store showcases timeless homewares with stories worth sharing. Their dedication to sustainability and simplicity results in a carefully chosen collection of enduring pieces. Each item reflects their philosophy that good design should adapt to and improve with time.

11. RE-Found Objects, Northumberland

Location: Bishops Yard, Main Street, Corbridge, Northumberland NE45 5LA

Since 2003, Jenny Vaughan and Simon Young have used their fashion expertise to transform this space into a unique treasure trove. You’ll find a unique mix of rare, remarkable, and restored items here, earning the pair multiple accolades, including Homes & Gardens Retailer of the Year. Meanwhile, their commitment to environmental responsibility shows through their recycled packaging and thoughtful sourcing.

12. BindleStore, Manchester

Locations: 46 Edge St, Northern Quarter, Manchester / Christmas Pop Up at Unit 31, Great Western Arcade Birmingham

Since starting life in 2015 as a denim repair shop, BindleStore has gradually evolved into a carefully curated lifestyle destination in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Their selection of global homewares and accessories reflects a personal approach to retail, where every item earns its place through quality and character.

13. Pentreath & Hall, London

Locations: Goods and Furnishings: 17 Rugby Street London WC1N 3QT / Dry Goods and Stationery: 57 Lambs Conduit Street London WC1N 3NB

This collaboration between architectural designer Ben Pentreath and decorative artist Bridie Hall began in 2008 and has since become a London institution. Their two locations offer an expertly curated mix of antiques, homewares and exclusive decorative items, drawing visitors from around the world to their distinctive black-fronted shops.

14. Alice in Scandiland, Cornwall

Location: 28 Fore Street, Lostwithiel, Cornwall PL22 0BL

From blog to award-winning boutique, Alice’s Lostwithiel store beautifully merges Scandinavian influence with Cornish charm. The shop opened in 2018 and today showcases a wonderful selection of homeware, vintage items, furniture, textiles, prints, ceramics, handmade pieces and more. Including both vintage and contemporary pieces, Alice’s collections reflect her philosophy that homes should tell the stories of those who live there.

15. Objects of Use, Oxford

Location: 6 Lincoln House, Market Street, Oxford OX1 3EQ

This modern-day hardware store celebrates the beauty of everyday tools, sourcing items that combine centuries of tradition with practical purpose. You’ll find endless alternatives to throwaway culture here through carefully chosen household items from both local makers and global artisans. From Japanese notebooks to hand-carved trays, these collections emphasise craftsmanship and sustainability.

16. Kin, London

Locations: 119 Portobello Road, London W11 2DY / 131 Brick Lane, London E1 6SE / Brick Lane Vintage Market, 85 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL

Since 2017, Kin has grown from its first store in Brick Lane to three locations, all creating relaxed, pastel-toned spaces for vintage fashion lovers. Their speciality lies in reworked vintage pieces alongside carefully selected new accessories, demonstrating how sustainable fashion can be both stylish and accessible.

17. Epitome of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Location: 35 Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QQ

Founded in 2012 in Edinburgh’s elegant New Town, Epitome offers a refreshing approach to fashion retail. Their concept space champions avant-garde designers and timeless design over trend-led pieces, making for an innovative shopping experience that values quality and craftsmanship.

18. Atwin, Norwich

Location: 10-12 Bridewell Alley, Norwich NR2 1AQ

Local entrepreneur Bonnie Doonan’s thoughtfully curated store in Norwich’s historic lanes brings together the work of local makers with that of ethical UK brands. Housing a retail space and Studio Adorn’s jewellery workshop upstairs, Atwin exemplifies community-focused retail through regular workshops and popular flea markets.

19. Canopy, Derby

Location: 7 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NF

From its 1992 beginnings as a luggage retailer, Canopy has evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle store in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter. Their commitment to slow fashion and quality is evident in their carefully chosen brands, from local Nottingham-based Universal Works to Japanese homeware company Kinto.

20. October Books, Southampton

Location: 189 Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2NF

Waterstones isn’t the only place to find some reading material! This cooperative bookshop, running since 1977, represents the power of community in independent retail. Their 2018 move to permanent premises, achieved through community investment and support, has created more than just a bookshop—it’s a hub for promoting equality and diverse voices in Southampton.