Festival Place is encouraging customers to think big and shop small for Small Business Saturday on December 7 – and with Christmas just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to go local.
FP is home to a treasure trove of nearly 30 small independently owned retailers and restaurants that all bring something different to our local community, helping to create jobs, boost local creativity, and breathe new life into the regional shopping scene.
By choosing to support local, shoppers are helping to create a stronger, more vibrant Basingstoke.
From bespoke gifts by local artists at All Our Own Crafts to mixed food hampers with products sourced from local, independent producers at Fig and Fox, FP’s local retailers are bursting with one-of-a-kind treats you won’t find anywhere else.
Luis Moreno Mancillas, owner of Mexican restaurant El Bigote, said: “When you shop small, you're not just getting a product or service, you're supporting local culture and fostering connections and relationships that can last years.
“It's a reminder that you're helping people live their dreams and keep things unique. It's not just about the business, but the people who pour their heart into it and give a family feel to the overall experience.”
Mark Cooper from All Our Own Crafts, said: “We have a lot of local talent within the Basingstoke area and thought it would be great to have somewhere to showcase them.
“I love coming into the shop as it's like nothing else on the high street, you never know what you are going to find, but you know you will find something unique and handmade by local artists."
Spicy Tadka owner Gagan Joshi reminds shoppers that our local small businesses can only survive with the support of their community.
“It’s important for customers to support local businesses, as we as a community can fight the difficult economic environment together. We also love giving back, and at Spicy Tadka, we support lots of local charity events, local schools and communities like the Basingstoke Hindu Society and local food banks.”
At Nigerian restaurant Afrizi, Carlee Osundina says: “The continued support from our community would mean so much; we love getting to know everyone who comes in.
“All of our team take the time to get to know everyone and it really does make it special. Small businesses are where you really get the human connection and unique service.”
And Barry Daniel, owner of Milan hairdressing, said: “Small business is very important. It brings a personal service to the community and employs local people to serve the community.
“If customers didn't shop local and support the community we simply wouldn't be here. A big thank you to all our clients that have and continue to support us. We couldn't do it without you.”
Festival Place Marketing Manager Sian Fisher said: “We’re incredibly proud to support so many inspirational independent traders, and Small Business Saturday gives us a chance to shout about them – as well as remind shoppers that they’ve got more choice than ever when it comes to their Christmas shopping!
“We have so many independently run businesses we know you’ll love, whether you’re buying something beautiful from Aray Jewellery, diving back into your childhood with retro toys and comics from Kushti Comics, or dining out at one of our fantastic restaurants.”
Independent names to discover include:
- Afrizi
- All Our Own Crafts
- Apple Nails
- Aray Jewellery
- Baggage World
- Chi
- Coochani Musk
- Cool Merch
- Delta Cars
- El Bigote
- Ephesus Barbers
- Festival Street Kitchen
- Fig & Fox
- GoGo Gadget
- Hair Lab
- Kushti Comics
- La Vo Patisserie
- Milan
- Mobile Bitz
- Mr Munch
- News Centre
- Rosie Rose
- Sia Beauty
- Spicy Tadka
- Trilbys
- That Gallery
- The G Factory
Share this article
