Shop Til’ You Drop: The Essential Non-Essential Independent Retailers
There’s nothing like the physical retail experience to get the pulse racing; the ambience, music, the welcoming staff and the carefully curated selection of goods for you to fall in love with. Nowhere is it more of an art-form than in our independent retailers.
Non-essential retail is, we’ve realised, essential and it’s something we’ve all missed. While online shopping has been our convenient go-to over the past months, browsing the e-stores just hasn’t given us the same endorphin rush.
With non-essential retail opening this month, we’ve compiled a guide below of some of the best independents in Leicester to remind you of our fabulous indy scene and where you can go to treat yourself to something new – from clothes to homeware, gifts to food and drink. Go on, splurge a little. We’ve earned this.
We Are
With over 50 designers and artists work available to discover in store, all items sold are handmade to the highest standard and anything you purchase goes to supporting local artists. So not only are you supporting your local high street but also the creatives who make up our diverse community. Take a step inside from 15th April and expect new stock from all the favourites as well as brand-new artists at this creative hub.
The Very Bazaar
An Aladdin’s cave of treasure, the vibrant The Very Bazaar is one of the city’s most unique shops. Greeted by the scent of burning incense, this family run businesses has been a city staple for over 40 years and become a true gem in the city. Be transported into a treasure trove of distinctive and characterful products from crystals to dream catchers, jewellery to soft furnishings and find a magical gift like no other.
23 Wine and Whiskey
It’s not all just wine and whiskey, step inside and discover an extensive collection of gin, rum, vodka and other spirits, whether you’re looking for an everyday tipple or something for a special occasion. Revel in the expert advice of their enthusiastic and knowledgeable team who will be sure to find something to your taste.
Pomponette
If like us, you spent most of your lockdown re-designing your home and re-painting your walls then, from 13th April when they reopen, Pomponette are your go to, providing you with an abundance of stylish ideas to create your own beautiful, individual home. The store is an experience of texture, pattern, colour and fragrance that reflect the natural world and are curated creatively to inspire homeowners. Designed to be timeless and authentic, anything you buy will survive the fleeting trends and add a unique touch to your room.
PILOT
Plans are back on! To make sure you look your best, head over to PILOT who have been on the cutting edge of fashion since 1984. With brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Adidas and Nike – to name just a few – you can be sure to be the best dressed to every event and turn heads. A fashion haven for both men and women, you can find everything to be dressed top to toe in style with expert staff on hand to guide you.
Moments Cards and Balloons
Moments Card & Balloons can help make your special day even more special, with their personalised balloons you can show the ones you care about just how much you love them. Offering quality, expertise, reliability, and professionalism you can find balloons for all occasions in a wide range of themes.
Lanes Fine Jewellery
Lanes Fine Jewellers specialises in diamonds with a glittering range of bespoke diamond engagement rings, wedding rings, eternity rings and diamond necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Their expert team pride themselves on their exceptional customer service, so you’ll be in safe hands to sit down in their beautiful boutique store to discuss all your requirements and desires. They’ll guide you through your design, explaining diamond details and working with you to create a unique piece of jewellery that will last a lifetime.
Gadsby’s
With a re-fitted workshop and a comprehensive range of pictures in their new picture gallery on the first floor, Leicester’s much-loved destination for fine art, picture framing and arts and craft supplies is set to reopen its doors on 12th April. So, if you’ve taken a new-found hobby during lockdown, you’ll find a wide range of products and skilled staff on hand to offer you a uniquely personal experience.
Divine Boutique
While lavish weddings and grand events may still be a distance away under the current restrictions, now is the time to start scouting out those glamourous gowns and be fully prepared for those invitations – you’re future you will thank you later! The professional and friendly team have a passion for beautiful dresses are on hand to offer a style, colour and fit to help you find your perfect style for prom, black tie, cruises, pageants or simply a good old-fashioned party!
Lumbers
Take your pick of exceptional luxury jewellery and watches as the city’s established jewellers reopens its big glass doors for you to find a piece that catches your eye. Stocking brands from TAGHeuer to Gucci, Chopard to Breitling as well as a stunning range of lifestyle accessories and gifts from Montblanc pens to Lalique, it’ll be hard to walk away from the glamorous showroom without being dazzled into buying something fabulous.
Whether you’re looking for household essentials or fancy splashing out on some fancy furniture, at Harriman & Co you’ll find an ever-changing selection of homeware and furniture, lovingly hand-picked for beauty and functionality. If you have something extra special in mind, they also commission furniture and other pieces to fit the design of your home, so pop in for a chat.
Jellyrolls Kidswear
Dress your kid to the nines at Jellyrolls Kidswear, with over 35 luxury designer brands and two floors of shopping space to really shape out their style. Finding the right outfit for special occasions, playdates and adventures has never been easier. You’ll find yourself asking if they make them in adult size too!
TinFish Shoes
Step out in style with stylish design lead footwear from TinFish shows, where you’ll find the perfect pair to match all your favourite outfits you bought over lockdown. Stocking top brands including Fly London, Dr Martens, Birkenstock and TOMS, the team are always on the lookout for distinctive and exciting shoes and hand-pick styles which in turn are beautifully presented with their eye-catching window displays.
Healthy Route
Health really has been at the forefront of our lives in the last year and now more than ever we’ve been stocking our shelves with vitamins, choosing a healthier lifestyle and giving our bodies the nourishment it needs. A member of the National Association of Health Stores, which ensures they operate to the highest retail standards, Healthy Route is your one-stop destination for nutritional supplements, healthy foods and snacks, bodycare and they also boast over 180 herbal teas!
