Exeter Trails - For Independent Shopping

What Are Exeter Trails?

If you are on Twitter, or part of the FSB you may have already have heard about us. And if you were part of the Exeter IndieXmas Shopping Trail as a shopper or retailer, you will already understand something about the concept.

The Exeter Trails are maps of independent shops that visitors and residents alike can use to more easily find the plethora of unique and delightful stores that can be found just a short walks away from the main High Street.

The maps will be launched in July and will be available online, through participating shops and some major visor attractions. Exeter Trails will also have its own website to give information about each of the participating shops and to showcase news and events around Exeter's vibrant Independent Scene.

Not Just For Christmas The Exeter Trails has been born out of the success at Christmas time of the Exeter Indie Xmas Shopping Map, which encourage Shoppers of Christmas gifts to seek out unique and delightful gifts, slightly off the High Street in Exeter's local in stores.

It was so successful that a small group of Independents got together and have planned permanent shopping trails with the help of funding from Exeter City Council.

The First Five Trails

The initial trails are as follow:-

Café Culture - featuring Cafés
Food Glorious Food - depicting locally owned Food shops
Arts, Crafts & More - for those delightful art and craft outlets
Unusual or Unique - for Vintage and Boutiques
Shops Out & About Active - for our local sport and leisure shops

Initially the trails will have around 20 shops in each. It is anticipated that in the future the range and size of the Trails will expand. Ideas and feedback is always welcome.

Why? The reason behind the Trails is to highlight to everyone that Exeter is rich in unique local products, services and culture. Visitors will find that the trails will enhance their cultural experience of the South West discovering food, products and service from the local area.

Residents will have the opportunity to discover or rediscover some hidden gems. In fact the maps will be a real Treasure Trail. And it is not all about shopping. The maps are centred around the RAMM and will also show other key points of interest. Why Shop Local?

Well there are many good reasons to shop local including keeping the money in the local economy, reducing carbon footprint and knowing the suppliers are ethical.

And these are all worthy reasons but the best bit is that you will find unique and delightful products and excellent customer service from assistants who know about what they sell. And you can't put a price on that! Get In Touch If you are an Exeter retailer who may be interested in being on the map or a shopper that loves local and you want to be kept informed - you can follow us on Twitter @ExeterTrails or email us at penny@pennysrecipes.com. Or look out on The Exeter Daily for news of the Exeter Trails.