A small business Christmas shopping guide: Shopping local in Stafford & Stone
Support your local small businesses this Christmas
It’s now more important than ever to support your local, small businesses. The Covid lockdowns and the cost of living crisis has forced so many small businesses to close and without our support, even more closures will happen. As Holly Tucker so rightly says when talking about small businesses, “Use us, or lose us”.
Benefits of shopping local
It helps to reduce your carbon footprint
Shopping locally to where you live means that you are there in person to browse, buy and take your purchases home. There is no need for excessive packaging or for cross country delivery services. You’re also less likely to return products you’ve bought in person, again reducing the need for more packaging and more delivery services.
You invest in your community
Not only are you investing in the small business you shop at, but you’re also investing in your local economy. For every £10 you spend with a local business, an additional £50 goes back into your local economy (shop owners will spend this money in local restaurants and shops, thus circulating the money and allowing your community to thrive!).
You’ll get great customer service
You can’t beat the customer service given from a small business. The business owner will often be the person who has made your product, the person you speak to in the shop, the person who bags up your order and the person you’ll speak to on the phone or over social media. They will always do everything they can to offer an excellent service, because they truly care. Their business is everything to them and they want you to love it from start to finish.
You’ll make thoughtful purchases
It’s easy to get carried away online. You’ll add things to your basket without much thought, especially if there is a sale on. It’s just too easy to buy things that we don’t actually love all that much. If, instead, you take the time to walk around a shop, you are picking things up, touching them, looking closely at them, and you are much more likely to buy the things that you really love.
It’s more fun
Plan a day to get out into your local area and do your Christmas shopping. Invite a friend. Make a list of all the shops you want to visit and go and get stuck in. Meet the owners, talk about their products and fall in love with every single gift you purchase. And you’ll need to make time for a delicious lunch somewhere (ideally at an independent cafe) or a hot chocolate covered in cream and marshmallows.
14 independent, small businesses in the Stafford and Stone area that are perfect for Christmas shopping.
So if, like me, you are in the Stafford and Stone area, here are 14 are my favourite independent shops to get you started. With a little planning, you could easily hit up all of these in a day and who knows, by the end of that day you might just have most of your Christmas shopping done!
1.My Dear Rebel, Stone
Gorgeous clothes, toys and accessories for babies and children. My Dear Rebel specialise in sustainable and eco-friendly children's wear and have a beautiful shop in Stone. There’s always something I want for my kids in here!
2. The Wandering Bee, Stone
My latest obsession. The Wandering Bee make the most delicious smelling candles ever and they’re all hand poured into recycled beer bottles, giving them an extra cool vibe. The candles come in a range of sizes and are packed inside beautiful boxes.
3. Candid, Stafford
If you have a craft beer lover in your life, head to Candid in Stafford. They stock a range of craft beers that can be bought individually as well as gift boxes that include glasses and coasters. They also offer a craft beer subscription service for the gift that keeps on giving.
4. Peccadillos, Stafford
A long standing favourite in Stafford town centre, this gift shop is jam packed with gift ideas for all ages, from bath bombs and Jellycats to jewellery and home fragrance. There really is something for everyone in here and it’s always a go to for gifts.
5. Rogue Boutique, Stone
I can’t look around this shop without buying anything. It’s a treasure trove of bright, beautiful clothing and accessories for women and it’s the perfect place to shop for your mama, your sister, your wife or your BFF. And probably for yourself once you get in there!
6. The Baby Cabin, Amerton
A gorgeous little shop located at Amerton Farm, The Baby Cabin specialise in personalised clothing for babies and toddlers. They also stock a wide range of baby and toddler accessories and gifts too. Perfect for the littles in your life.
7. Lively Concept Store, Stone
A recent addition to Stone high street, this shop just oozes beauty. It stocks a range of beautiful homewares, gifts, accessories and jewellery, all with a nod to minimalist design. It’s the perfect place for the perfect gift.
8. Jolu Boutique, Stone
If you’re looking for a gift, Jolu has it all. From jewellery and fragrance to homeware, clothing and accessories. I recently bought myself a necklace and a couple of “Stokie” drinks coasters for a gift.
9. Canalside Farm Shop, Great Haywood
I love the farm shop at Canalside. There’s not only loads of gorgeous food in there, but there’s also some lovely gifts, a lot of which are sourced from other local artists and businesses. They also stock a range of Christmas decorations, so win win!
10. Teppi, Stafford
I’ve recently discovered Teppi, based at Woodings Yard in Stafford. They stock a collection of sustainable homewares, handmade ceramics and ethically sourced gifts, all inspired by Scandinavian lifestyle. Their Christmas collection is soooo nice too!
11. On The Common, Milford Common
A relatively new business in Stafford, On The Common is based in Milford and is a beautiful little shop stocking a very cool range of womenswear and accessories. It’s all very Insta worthy and it’s the perfect place to shop for fashion lovers.
12. Salters Toy Shop, Stafford
This family run toy shop in Stafford packs a lot in. There’s so much in there, from toddler toys to grown-up games and jigsaws. It’s got everything that you’d find in other nearby toy shops, but instead of supporting a Nationwide chain, you’re supporting a local family. It’s an easy win in my book.
13. Terraces Menswear, Stafford
With a couple of shops in the local area, Terraces is well established, but a small business all the same. They stock a really good range of menswear, including brands such as New Balance, Paul Smith and BOSS.
14. Boris & Barbara
I’m yet to visit this shop, but I’ve heard so many good things. The customer service is spot on and they stock a really good range of clothing, accessories and homewares. Make a stop here if you’re shopping for your mum, auntie or sister.
Happy Christmas shopping!