Small Business Saturday UK

We’ve all heard of ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’ but these quite often only seem to benefit large corporations and big businesses in the run up to Christmas. However, ‘Small Business Saturday UK’ was set up five years ago to encourage more people to ‘shop small’ and help out their local business owners in what can be a very stressful time of year. On the 2nd of December, many small shops, online stores, tradesmen etc up and down the country will be running promotions, campaigns and events in order to drive those extra sales in the lead up to Christmas. Not only does this non-commercial campaign benefit many small businesses but it also highlights the economical benefits and variety on offer in peoples local communities to the consumer.
 
Here in South Devon we have a plethora of small businesses that offer unique and quality items to be bought, whether it be handmade goods, local produce and at this time of the year wonderful trinkets which make the perfect Christmas gifts for your friends and loved ones. So this year, on December the 2nd why not head out to one of our beautiful villages, towns or cities to pick up some great items and support the independent retailers.

Ashburton, set on the outskirts of Dartmoor National Park is a great location to delve into the historical world of antiquities and collectables. With many antique outlets and vintage shops you are sure to find something one of kind.

Known for its bohemian community, Totnes is jam packed with independent retailers. The perfect place to find unusual items, handmade crafts and vintage goods, it is also a great stop for exquisite cuisine with delicatessens, eccentric cafés and delightful restaurants.

If you are wanting to browse or purchase paintings or other art, look no further than the harbour side town of Dartmouth. Surrounded by fantastic landscape and nautical scenes it’s no surprise that maritime Dartmouth is chock-full of fantastic galleries and inspired works of art.

Sidmouth boasts a whole host of independent shops in a pretty town setting, amidst idyllic countryside and coastal views. A wonderful destination for gifts and decorative homeware, Sidmouth proudly presents a beautiful array of non-chain boutiques.

For vintage apparel and accessories, Exeter has a great selection of vintage and retro stores where you’re sure to find something snazzy to wear. Gandy Street in Exeter is also known to host many independent retailers offering plenty of choice when it comes to looking for unique items. 

Honiton, bordered by Blackdown Hills AONB and East Devon AONB is a real market place for antique dealers and furniture stores. The perfect place to discover weird and obscure pieces of furniture and eclectic collections of old artefacts!

South Devon has tons more towns and villages with independent boutiques, shops and businesses dotted around the region, with plenty on offer to suit a range of all ages, tastes and needs. Another great way to support small retailers is by going along to one of the many Markets or Farmers Markets held up and down the county throughout the year to buy some of the best food and drink on offer. With Christmas fast approaching there are also plenty of extra seasonal markets happening across the region in the lead up, giving you the finest opportunity to get those presents sorted all whilst helping out the smaller companies. To read more in our blog about Christmas Markets that are on this year please click here.

So there we have it, 2nd December is Small Business Saturday UK so let’s all make that extra effort to support the wonderful businesses here in South Devon.