Summer has arrived – here are three more businesses I’ll be supporting for the first time this season

It was only recently when I shared three businesses I planned to visit during the spring and summer months, and now I’m back to share three more that are firmly on my list.

I stand by the fact that the wide variety of innovative businesses in this town are what make it so special, and no bad can come from visiting new ventures to add to the independents you are already a loyal customer to.

If I could support all of the Northampton founders who have taken the leap to do something for themselves, with the aim of improving the town as a place to live, work and visit, I would – but sadly it just is not possible.

So, like me, why not choose three businesses to support for the first time over the coming months? You never know who or what you will discover. Here are my next three top picks…

Grandbies

Grandbies opened in St Giles’ Street in August 2023 and aimed to create a Scandinavian-inspired haven with a coffee house, clothing boutique and a space for the community to gather under one roof.

The Grandbies team has been successful in adding a luxury coffee shop to Northampton, while also offering a family-friendly environment and a commitment to the community.

It was not long after opening when the family expanded with a second premises a few doors down on St Giles’ Street, which began as a homeware store. Following demand from the community, this has now been converted into a dedicated event space.

It is hard to believe that I'm yet to visit Grandbies in the almost three years it has been open at the heart of the town centre, particularly with the variety of innovative events throughout the year.

Claire Hall Floral Design

One of the newest business additions to the town is Claire Hall Floral Design, located in the main courtyard of St Crispin Retail Village in the corner next to Clippers N Curls and opposite Hops and Chops.

Claire has been working in floristry on and off for the past 18 years, having completed her first course in 2008, and she took the leap to open her first bricks and mortar store in May.

Having maintained a corporate career of 15 years alongside her love for floristry, Claire decided it was time to go for it when the premises became available around a month before she opened.

The founder now proudly offers traditional floristry with a love for bright colours, texture and interior design, and I look forward to paying Claire a visit as she settles into the town.

Lyss & Vay Candle Co.

It is hard to believe I’m yet to make it to St Leonard’s Road to visit Janene Francis from Lyss & Vay Candle Co., after the founder opened her first store in March 2025.

The business was launched in 2020 after Janene ordered a candle making kit to pass the time during lockdown. This saw her quit her career just a few months later to establish a full-time business hand pouring soy candles.

The founder has worked hard to continue building a cosy and inviting sanctuary that customers return to time and time again, as well as the introduction of workshops in collaboration with other independent businesses.

Candles aren’t a product you would typically associate with summertime, which is even more of a reason to pay Lyss & Vay a visit over the coming months to keep the business thriving.