Whilst we are now allowed to go out and about, and shops have reopened across the UK, many of us are still conscious about staying as safe as we can be and remaining at home as much as we can. But with the pressure of Christmas less than two weeks away, it's so important that we continue to shop locally as much as we can.
We're so lucky that these days we can do both: shop locally and stay at home. We have put together a list of some of our favourite local shops, with online shopping facilities.
Get cheesy with Godminster
Godminster, based in Bruton, was born of a passion for organic farming and wildlife conservation. Ever since Richard Hollingbery bought Godminster Farm in 1993, he and his team have been pursuing an environmentally friendly and ethical approach to farming. It wasn't until 1999 that Richard made the first cheddar, as a thank you to friends and neighbours who had helped in the organic certification process, and once they tasted it, it soon became clear that cheese-making would be the way forward using the milk. The Vintage Organic Cheddar has gone from strength to strength winning numerous awards at prestigious cheese shows across the world. Good news - it's now easier than ever to buy it online via their website: www.godminster.com.
Make your house a home with Graham & Green
Independent, family-run Graham & Green is synonymous with beautiful homewares. They have been providing interiors lovers with colourful, quirky furniture and accessories for over 40 years. Having been in Bath since 2016, you can find Graham and Green in the inspiring Walcot Street in Bath’s artisan quarter. Shop online at www.grahamandgreen.co.uk.
Support the Community with The Emporium, Yeovil
The Emporium in Yeovil is a community of around 60 independent businesses, trading as one shop in the heart of Yeovil town Centre.
They have recently launched their online shop, which offers an incredible collection of gifts sure to inspire even the biggest bah-humbug's Christmas shopping. Whether you're after clothing, art, jewellery or toys, The Emporium has it all. Shop online at www.theemporiumyeovil.co.uk.
Give the gift of a good read, with Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights
Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights is an award winning independent bookshop in John Street, in the heart of Bath. Having previously been named the UK's best independent bookshop, Mr B's offers reading subscriptions for the book worms in your life.
As a recipient of one of their award-winning and bespoke book subscriptions, you begin by completing a short consultation so that they can get a feel for your reading tastes. Then one of the Mr B’s team will be appointed as your dedicated bibliotherapist and will hand-pick a book each month, chosen especially to suit you. Every book arrives through your letterbox beautifully presented in Mr B's signature brown paper, string and wax seal. Find out more at www.mrbsemporium.com.
Step (digitally) into Toy Heaven with My Small World
My Small World, found in SouthGate, is filled to the brim with exciting, new, and utterly scrumptious toys, games and books. However, you can stay in the comfort of your home and shop via their website. With brands including Maileg,
Meri Meri and Le Toy Van, whether you're looking for a gift for a newborn, or an older child, My Small World has a magical collection of toys and games. Shop online at www.mysmallworld.co.uk.
Shop Closer to Home with ShopAppy
ShopAppy is a platform that has been invested in by Somerset West and Taunton Council. It works by enabling local independent shops and businesses to show information, products and services they have for sale in your town in one place, with the ability for customers to buy items online and then either collect them from a collection point, or opt for home delivery.
So far in Somerset, it is available in Taunton, Wellington, Minehead and Dulverton, and there a range of different stores available to shop with including Mr Miles for all the tea and coffee lovers out there, Parks Lane Interiors for your Christmas decorations or Olive & Rosy for the 'foodie fashionistas' - there's something for everyone. Shop online at www.ShopAppy.com.
Give a thoughtful gift with Caro
At Caro, in Bruton, they believe in enriching experiences that connect and nourish us. They believe that the spaces we inhabit can determine how we feel, giving us that little bit of escapism that we all need now, more than ever.
Caro offer thoughtful gifts that are sure to rejuvenate, from 'Resurrection' hand balm (which we all need after the amount of sanitiser that has touched our hands this year) to leggings made from recycled water bottles. Shop online at www.carosomerset.com.
Of course, there are SO many incredible businesses across Somerset - simply too many to mention. But please do comment with your favourites that aren't mentioned - tag us, email us - spread the word about our Somerset shops and businesses.
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