Dorset independent businesses to support this Christmas

When you shop small not only are you choosing to buy great products but you are also supporting the livelihoods of real people across the region. 

Businesses have been hit hard up and down the country this year as they've struggled to stay afloat amid the coronavirus pandemic and national lockdowns.

By choosing to shop small this Christmas you can directly support the people within our community whilst bagging some incredible products. 

As part of 'Small Business Saturday', we've compiled a list of some brilliant Dorset businesses we believe you should support: 

South West Coast Refills

Where: 29 St Thomas Street, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8EJ

(Image - SW Coast Refills)

South West Coast Refills is Weymouth’s zero waste store run by Weymouth couple, Emma and Rikki.

The company began at their kitchen table, out of frustration at being unable to find local packaging-free produce.

From a market stall and online shop, the business now has its own permanent shop selling environmentally friendly products in Weymouth. 

Emma said: "We opened the store as we wanted to make it easier to shop sustainably for groceries and give people the option of choosing less packaging and less waste.

"Zero waste is all about utilising what you already have at home, bringing in your own jars, tubs, bags and wrappers from home to refill and reuse.

"Customers can bring their own containers from home, refilling them with pasta, whole foods, herbs and spices, shampoo and household cleaners without the need to buy more single use plastic. Our shop provides an alternative to supermarket shopping which is sustainable and most importantly, affordable.

"We stock lots of locally made products supporting local indie-owned businesses from Weymouth51, A Jar Of, The Dorset Stitchery, Made by Kate, House of Candles, Curious Kombucha to name a few.

"We are still taking final orders for Christmas Vegetable Boxes in conjunction with Bridget’s Market, Bridport."

The shop is open daily 10-5 until Christmas.

For more information visit the website.

Sugar Mango

Where: 37 Southbourne Grove, Southbourne, Bournemouth BH6 3QT

(Image - Sugar Mango)

The marvellous Sugar Mango is a gorgeous gem nestled in Southbourne.

Founded in 2008 by Alison Dewey, this charming shop has a range of women’s fashion including footwear, accessories, and lifestyle gifts. Alongside this they have our own handmade gemstone jewellery collection designed and made by Alison.

Alison selects unique pieces of quality and style, curated with a passion for indie brands mixing them with her own designer semi-precious stone jewellery as well as excellent quality at every price point and comfort.

Alison said: "I’ve been in business for over 12 years now, but this has to be the hardest year I’ve ever faced, but I still consider myself to be very lucky as I have very loyal customers who have been so supportive during this time. 

"Use your spending power to buy great products at small businesses, it really makes a difference to real people’s lives. 

"I’m so excited to be re-opening this week and really feel that the positive outcome of this year will be a renewed love for our high streets and the value shopping in small independents brings."

To find out more visit the Sugar Mango website.

Westbourne Bookshop

Where: Westbourne Bookshop, 65 Poole Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, BH4 9BA

(Image - Westbourne Bookshop)

Westbourne Bookshop is a family-owned independent bookshop that has been trading in Westbourne since 1994. 

Westbourne Bookshop is owned and managed by the Angel family, owners of the well-known Gullivers Bookshop in Wimborne Minster. Paul, Andrea, Jane and Elaine are always ready to help with any query. 

With two busy indie bookshops, they are able to secure special editions, signed editions and special offers, and they also organise the very successful Wimborne Literary Festival, established in 2011.

The family also own the ever-popular Square Records, in the newly refurbished premises on the High Street in Wimborne.

Paul Angel said: " We're so grateful for our customers' support through the second lockdown, but we're really looking forward to a busy few weeks up to Christmas.

"Our shop is big enough to have six people browsing safely, and we offer free local delivery and a collection service too."

They offer a personal service and have an extensive knowledge of what they sell and the shop has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. 

To find out more visit their website. 

Richmond Classics

Where: 3 Westover Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1BY

(Image - Richmond Classics)

Richmond Classics was founded in 1988, a small store (1500 sq ft) over two floors situated in a secondary position just off Bournemouth square at 9 Richmond Hill, hence the origins of the name.

Now celebrating their 33rd year trading, over the years the shop has built up a reputation as the destination for the innovative fashion conscious customers in the south of England.

The shop has been featured in various magazines including Arena, FHM and Loaded. 

In 2010 the store was recognised by the British clothing industry and recommended as one of three independent fashion retailers and owner, Keith McNicol was personally invited to Buckingham palace to meet Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.

Owner Keith McNicol said: "Richmond Classics has won numerous awards for its individual creative design and delivery of fashion over its 33yrs of trading  and we prides ourself on the service being second to none.

"Our customers have grown up with us and we often hear customers telling us and there children that they have shopped with us from the age of 16, they're now in there early 50s."

Find out more online. 

Attico 

Where: 21 Westbourne Arcade, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 9AY

(Image - Attico)

Attico have selected a wonderful collection of Christmas decorations, cards and gift ideas to inspire and delight their customers.

The magical Attico store is a joyous shopping experience with a great team on hand to help you select the perfect gift.

Owner of Attico, Cesca said: "Our shops are full of inspiration for unusual gifts that are as much pleasure to give as they are to receive.  

"We have missed welcoming our customers through our doors and seeing their delight when they discover the perfect gift. 

"We have books, cards, decorations and lots more. 

"Our style is charming, eclectic and whimsical with added surprises, however we describe it - its best viewed in person."

You can also shop online if you can't make it to the store, just visit their website. 

Have we missed your favourite independent? Let us know in the comments below.