SHOP LOCAL
FROM THURSDAY 4 TO SUNDAY 7 JULY, ENJOY WORKSHOPS, DISCOUNTS AND COMPETITIONS CELEBRATING CAMBRIDGE’S INDEPENDENT SCENE
W ith so much doom and gloom in the national news about the fate of the British high street, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that, here in Cambridge, we’re fortunate to have a vibrant shopping hub in the city centre – and one that is especially notable for its abundance of independent retailers. From great indie restaurants and cafes to clothing shops, gift shops, art galleries and, of course, the bustling market, there are all kinds of gems to discover. This month is the ideal time to explore and celebrate Cambridge’s flourishing indie scene, as the Cambridge BID (Business Improvement District) Independents’ Week is returning from
4 to 7 July. Part of a national campaign that supports independent businesses across the country, the event will see stores and eateries in a celebratory mood, offering all kinds of special offers and in-store events. For punters, it’s a chance to snap up everything from bargain meals and discounted books to free goodie bags, revisiting old favourites and discovering new treasures. For retailers, meanwhile, it’s a chance to “shout from the rooftops that there are over 200 of us in the city centre!” enthuses Anne Bannell, owner of Jacks on Trinity. “These shops bring uniqueness and vitality to Cambridge’s high street – and it’s a case of use it or lose it,” she continues. “We’ve sadly seen
a lot of indies disappear from our streets. Cambridge is a victim of its own success as national stores want a presence here and can afford much higher rents, consequently making it more difficult for small businesses to compete. But there are many success stories, too, so seek them out and be proud to shop with independent stores.” Jacks on Trinity will be getting in the spirit with a very special guest during Independents’ Week (more details on page 82), while other Trinity Street residents – including Cambridge Contemporary Art and Cambridge University Bookshop – will be getting in on the action, too. Anne’s sentiment is echoed by Indira Bir, studio coordinator at Green Street’s Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery, who says the superior experience of shopping at independent retailers makes them worth cherishing. “You get excellent one-to-one customer service and knowledgeable staff at an independent – and better value for money,” she explains. “In our case, our jewellery is made locally and by hand, and our bespoke service is not something a chain could offer at the standard we do.” “These shops bring uniqueness to Cambridge”
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