Far too often I find myself
stuck in one of those over-heated, faceless, crowded, awful places some people
call a shopping center, or mall. I can’t see the appeal of being in such a
place, personally. The shops are all the same, the shop assistants don’t seem
to care, and making a purchase only serves to give you that swift feeling of
instant gratification before you storm off to the shoe department of house of
fraser and do it all again, causing more damage to your bank account than you
dare to think about. When did shopping become so un-fun?
This is why I have now made a
pact with myself to try to shop solely in independent stores. Take a look
around your local neighbourhood. There’s plenty of them around. Cute little
boutiques filled with personality, shop assistants and owners that care about
their products, designer fashion at affordable prices, vintage clothes filled
with memories, waiting to be worn once more… all wrapped up with tissue paper
and placed delicately in a nice paper bag.
Next time you’re in town, and you begin
to head for the department store on auto-pilot, stop. Think. Turn around, and
head instead towards that shop you pass all the time but hardly think to go in.
And I think you will be pleasantly surprised. In Huddersfield town there are
many places to start your own little quest for independents. The Byram Arcade
is a shining example of creativity with a shop to suit pretty much anyone’s
taste. Kitten Heels boutique has a gorgeous selection of pretty dresses for any
occasion, by a range of up-and-coming designers. And Pixie Pop and posh is fab
for indulging in retail therapy. But these are just a few examples! This
weekend, go out and support your Independents, because without us, we might not
have the option for much longer. Let me know how you get on, follow me on
twitter @joannalomas.
