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…
9. Abraxas Cookshop
Abraxas Cookshop is a multi award-winning, independent and family run business, founded by sisters Helen Sparrow and Sarah George in 1996. The well-established business is known for stocking only the best equipment, including Emma Bridgewater pottery. Your loved ones are likely to have seen something in Abraxas that they would love to add to their collection, presenting a great opportunity for Christmas. Location: St Giles’ Street. Photo: Abraxas Cookshop
10. St Giles Cheese
Another town centre business for all the foodies this Christmas. This family-run cheese deli first opened in 2010. Sitting in the heart of Northampton town centre at the end of St Giles’ Street, the storefront and smell as you enter is guaranteed to make your mouth water. Location: St Giles’ Street. Photo: St Giles Cheese
11. Dychurch Lifestyle
The well-established Dychurch Lifestyle began trading back in July 2010, formerly under the name of Dychurch Shoe Room. Since then the business has expanded to include clothing and accessories too, and now stocks a range of classic and traditional brands. Quality gifts are waiting to be purchased as Christmas presents, so pay the team a visit to avoid missing out. Location: St Giles’ Street. Photo: Dychurch Lifestyle