Our independent businesses ambassador is Suzy Dierckx. In this blog she tells us all about Winchester’s thriving indie retail scene and how you can navigate your way round it to find some hidden gems.
As a local resident, business owner and working mum, I can’t help but love the city of Winchester. The #indiewinch scene really gives the city a feeling of community, warmth and businesses are genuinely run by welcoming, friendly and exciting people, all of whom have a backstory. I love getting to know the people behind the shop doorway: people buy from people and that certainly is the case in Winchester.
When the city is awash with visitors (and locals) you see and hear the characters come to life, the shop owners talk to old and new customers like long lost relatives. You really are welcome here. The reputation from the variety of independent businesses around the city is really setting Winchester apart from other shopping destinations.
We all have our favourites but you really do need to come and see for yourself. Amongst options for sustainable fashion, men’s and women’s fashion, children’s shoes, gifts, homewares, furniture and lingerie, there really is an independent choice for everyone. Even our charity shops are teaming with great fashion bargains too.
Every year I create the #indiewinch pocket map for Winchester BID that continues to change year on year as businesses thrive, move and expand. As the businesses evolve, so does our map and getting people off the High Street to explore the areas around the city is always a priority, as that’s where our indies can be found. There is no better way to discover the independent shops than by taking a map and exploring.
Why not download a map and take a walk around the city yourself. There are wonderful places to stay in and around the city and the city itself is perfectly walkable.
https://winchesterbid.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/winchester-independents-map-2023.pdf
The Winchester Ambassadors are a group of volunteers who enjoy sharing their passion for their city. They were assembled to provide visitors with a local’s view of the city and its attractions. Their thoughts, insights and tips are independent and are not paid for. The Winchester Ambassadors are not affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in their posts or endorsed by Winchester City Council.
For details of more Independent businesses across the Winchester district, take a look at our shopping pages (Shopping – Visit Winchester) and our Market Town Maps for Alresford (visitwinchester.co.uk/app/uploads/2022/05/AlresfordMap-combined_1.pdf), Bishop’s Waltham (BishopsWalthamMap-combined.pdf (visitwinchester.co.uk)) and Wickham (visitwinchester.co.uk/app/uploads/2022/05/WickhamMap-Inner_web-combined.pdf).
