SHOP LOCAL
Images (clockwise from top) The studio boutique Elegant Atelier, a selection of shops down Trinity Street in Cambridge, and Bridges cafe
“Cambridge is an amazing and beautiful place, and an obvious tourist attraction,” she adds. “A range of interesting, local and unique independent shops is what the tourists want, alongside the historic buildings and other attractions. It adds to the charm and gives the centre of Cambridge much of its character.” Pop along to Harriet Kelsall during Independents’ Week and you can see a display of exquisite gemstones from around the world; an exhibit that focuses on unusual cuts and colours, handpicked by the store’s gemologist. After you’ve admired these dazzling stones, venture further up Green Street to Harriets Café Tearooms, where you can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea with all the trimmings for a discounted price. Another foodie favourite joining the initiative is De Luca Cucina & Bar, Regent Street’s long-standing Italian restaurant. For the team there, Independents’ Week is a way to support the indie community in the city and rally together against current challenges, encouraging the public to do the same. “It’s a difficult time for the high street”, says Robin Phillips, from the restaurant.
to tell, a passion for their brand and who can really make shopping a pleasurable, personal experience. The Cambridge shopper knows they can rely on us to provide something niche and special.” One thing every retailer we spoke to agreed on was the fact that independent businesses are a very fundamental part of what makes Cambridge special as a shopping destination, and a city. We’ve come a long way since that now-infamous think tank damningly concluded that Cambridge was the ‘worst clone town in Britain’, but the challenge of retaining the city’s uniqueness and creating an environment where indies can thrive continues. “We don’t want an indistinctive, unembellished town with homogeneous offerings” concludes Meggy Yip, co- owner of Bridges cafe. “Independent shops have brought individuality to our city, making Cambridge more appealing not only to visit, but also to live in. There is such an excellently established entrepreneurial spirit here and we hope to be brought together to celebrate what we are doing and to demonstrate the diversity and charm Cambridge has.”
“There’s pressure from online offerings and uncertainty over Brexit, which has led to a lot of big chains closing over the past few years. But we know people value the independent offering in Cambridge and we urge people in the city to use the power of their patronage to support the businesses they are fond of.” And despite many challenges, there are positives to be found, suggests Robin, who adds: “We do see that when times are tough, people come back to the businesses they trust, owner-run businesses that are friendly, remember you and focus on quality, consistency and customer care – places that have a passion for local produce and supporting the local economy in any way they can.” Another benefit of buying from independent businesses is the variety of choice they can afford shoppers, says Pippa Sandison, owner of King Street fashion boutique, Boudoir Femme. “Independents continue to offer something really different on the changing UK high street: individually selected and often unheard-of new brands, together with the chance to connect with an owner who has a story
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