Exeter's indies put themselves firmly on the map
As you head down the High Street it is easy to forget that along some of the side streets, and even hidden in amongst the big names in Princesshay, are some marvellous outlets with pretty, unusual and unique gifts, just waiting to be discovered.
And to give customers a gentle nudge in their direction, a group of 30 independent retailers have come together to offer you an interesting Shopping Trail where you can discover delightful shops and then, for fun, be entered into a prize draw to win some amazing prizes, which have been donated by the participating shops.
The purpose of the Exeter Indies Shopping Trail is to make customers more aware of the local shops in the area that are selling delightful goods and providing some wonderful services. The scheme is part of a national campaign by www.indiechristmas.co.uk
There are several towns and cities throughout the UK who are following this scheme, although in keeping with the spirit of the project, each will have their own character and style. They all, though, have one aim – to make people more aware of the benefits of shopping independently – and for shoppers, businesses and the local community to engage more with one another – to create a buzz that goes far beyond simple trading.
You can pick up a map from any of the participating shops displaying the poster or you can download a copy here. Below is a complete list of participating shops.
So, why shop indie? Well, for every £1 you spend with a local independent business, between 50p-70p circulates back into your local economy. Shopping locally supports local traders, their suppliers and the people they depend on to run their businesses. Buying locally boosts your local economy, rebuilds confidence in the community and enables local businesses to grow.
You’ll find unique gifts and treats for yourself, your family and friends; and get great personal service from someone who knows the products that they sell.
When you shop with your local independents you are doing ‘your bit’ to keep your high street, local neighbourhood shops and town centre ‘open for business’.
Each time you visit one of the stores on the map, you can get a stamp from the shop. Visit as many shops as you can and then enter your map by handing it in at one of the shops. The closing date is 5pm on 24th December.
The prize draw will take place on January 4th and the winners will be notified soon afterwards. The list of prizes will appear soon on the website. Click here for Terms and Conditions
Participating shops: Bunyip Beads 7-10 McCoys Arcade Exeter EX4 3AN Cafe at 36 36 Cowick St St Thomas EX4 1AW Cookware and Homebrew 43 cowick Street St Thomas Exeter EX4 1AP (2009 started)
Crede Boutique 16 Castle Street, Exeter EX4 3PT Devon Coffee 88 Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3RP Devon Weigh 10 St thomas Shopping Centre Exeter EX4 HJ
Eden Day Spa 10a Guildhall Shopping CentreEX4 3HJ Erin Cox Jewellery 14 Castle St, EX4 3PT Fizzy Wizzy Woo 141 Fore St Exeter EX4 3AN Insideout 1 Bampfylde Lane, Princesshay Ex1 1GQ Inspirations Central Station buildings, Queen Street, Inspirations hair/wigs 123 Fore St Exeter Iris Boutique 2 Upper Paul Street, Off Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3NB Isca Models 1-2 Fore St, Exeter, EX4 3JE Kintamani 28 Gandy Street, EX4 3LS Luxtons Pharmacy 67 Cowick Street Exeter
Meme 1 Upper Paul St Exeter EX4 3NB Moko 17 Gandy st Exeter EX4 3LS No Guts No glory McCoys Arcade, Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3AN Nutters 183 Cowick Street Exeter EX4 1AA Off the Hook 151 – 152 Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3AT Pennys Recipes pennysrecipes.com/shop Shaker Maker 122 Fore St Exeter EX4 3JQ Snappy Snaps 185-186 Fore Street Exeter Devon EX4-3AX
Sweet Cheeks 89 South Street, Exeter, EX1 1EQ Tadsurf 3 South Street EX1 1DZ The Cove 34 Bedford St Exeter EX1 1GJ
The Oddfellows 60 New North Road EX4 4EP
Violette 15 Castle Street Exeter EX4 3PT
