27 June 2023
What is Independent Business Month?
A global campaign throughout the month of July, Independent Business Month encourages communities to shop locally and celebrate the independent retailers at the heart of their local economy. In Winchester, this means looking out for the #IndieWinch stickers in the windows of local shops or checking out the free pocket map which includes over 190 independent shops, services, restaurants and cafés across the city centre.
The independent shops of Winchester continue to grow and flourish, offering high quality, value for money and a variety of products as well as first class service. The supportive network of independent businesses in the city centre makes Winchester vibrant, interesting and a special place for residents, visitors, workers and students to enjoy. Our independent food and drink offering stretches across the continents as well as showcasing the quality local produce made in and unique to Winchester.
Where in Winchester can I shop independent?
The best way to discover the independent business scene in Winchester is to explore the updated #IndieWinch map. The independent businesses change and move around the city, so finding them can sometimes be a challenge as they don’t all line the High Street. This makes discovering the city more exciting. Take yourself off the beaten track and find the businesses jotted around the city. There is always a warm welcome.
Good food and drink is always around the corner in Winchester. The BID is proud to support Hampshire Fare’s inaugural Winchester Food Festival on Sunday 9 July as part of Hampshire Food Festival month, celebrating local Winchester producers and chefs. Included on the live cookery demonstration kitchen, BID members Miff Kayum (Kyoto Kitchen) , Damian Brown from Chesil Rectory and Lenny Carr-Roberts of The Bugle, Twyford, The Fox and Shoal. Elsewhere in the city, there are an abundance of independent eateries, cafes and bar. All of whom can be found on the map.
Winchester is also proud to be home to a host of sustainable retailers. Eclectic Hound sells timeless menswear and ethical gifts, proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand. Earthian Zero Waste Shop specialises in plastic-free, organic and low waste products. Bring along your containers to stock up on sustainable staples. Open House Deli serves up sustainable, local and seasonal food, including breakfast, lunch, cakes and coffee. Finally, Chococo are proud collaborators with Orangutan SOS, helping battle deforestation in Sumatra. As of 2022, they have funded the planting of 10,355 cocoa tree seedlings!
What else can I do to support #IndieWinch?
Aside from shopping and eating local, make sure you share your appreciation for these businesses across social media using the #IndieWinch hashtag. A like, comment and share goes a long way to support local businesses, who need your support to thrive You can also keep up to date on all the work Winchester BID are doing this Independent Business Month by following @WinchesterBID on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
