With less than two months to go until the big day, now might be the time to get ahead of yourself and start Christmas shopping.
Northampton is home to a wide variety of independent businesses, who deserve your support in the run up to and during the festive period.
These 10 businesses are located in the town centre and more stories are to follow highlighting others across Northampton.
If you want to be entertained while you visit a number of these stores, pop into the town centre on December 2 – when jazz bands and street entertainers will take centre stage in St Giles’ Street.
The street will be closed to traffic that day to allow shoppers to walk freely, and cafes and restaurants to trade outside on the pavements.
Don’t forget you can meet Father Christmas in his grotto in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre from 10.30am until 4pm every Saturday and Sunday in December, as well as weekdays from December 18 to 23.
Here are 10 Northampton town centre independent businesses to support in the run up to Christmas…
5. The Eccentric Englishman
This quirky cafe and bar, which first opened in September 2021, is best known for its tiddly afternoon teas, themed events, and highly rated cheesecake – which business owner Liz Cox often sells out of. Why not treat your loved ones to an Eccentric Englishman gift voucher? You can specify any amount for them to spend on a delicious experience in the town centre. Location: St Giles’ Street. Photo: The Eccentric Englishman
6. Bias Gifts
Bias Gifts is located in the lower mall of the Grosvenor Centre and is home to a wide selection of gifts. Spanning across unique home decor and accessories, the shop is usually bustling with people in the approach to the festive season. Last year, the owner urged customers to come in and take a look for themselves – rather than opting for online shopping. Location: Grosvenor Shopping Centre. Photo: Bias Gifts
7. Grandbies
The newly opened Grandbies is a family-run business and combines many aspects under one roof – a coffee house, clothing boutique and events supporting local creatives and musicians. The idea was first thought up when business owner Marion Brown wanted a way to sell her secondhand luxury clothing, and introduced children’s clothing too. Post Christmas shopping, you can enjoy a drink in the business’ coffee shop. Location: St Giles’ Street. Photo: Grandbies
8. KS Flowers
Luxury flower boutique KS Flowers was first opened in St Giles’ Street by Ksenija Sturina in November last year. In the hope of bringing a luxury flower offering to the town centre, this is the business owner’s first physical store. If a bespoke bouquet or arrangement of flowers is what you are opting to purchase, look no further. The shop also stocks other gifts you might like the look of during your visit. Location: St Giles’ Street. Photo: KS Flowers