When you shop from British brands, you ensure that your money stays in the UK economy, supporting lots of independent makers across Britain. Keeping money in your local economy will help your own community to thrive. Now, more than ever before, independent businesses and local communities need our own support.
Why send your money to billionaires when you could support British makers right on your doorstep? Not only will this keep money in the British economy, it will help your local area to thrive. Shopping from local and UK businesses is also far more sustainable and reduces your carbon footprint, as your goods have less distance to travel to get from the maker to your front door.
Many Pedddle stallholders source their materials from British businesses in turn. Click here to read about some of the businesses that are truly Made in Britain.
Here’s how to shop from British brands this year:
Use Pedddle.com
Local markets have long been a way to find British makers in your local area, and it’s great to get out to nearby events if you can. Click here to find local markets to shop from, or click here to search for your local makers.
We love championing independent businesses and artisan markets as well as the stallholders that sell at them. We are here to support all small businesses in the UK, however we can.
Shop from Online Marketplaces
We know that online shopping is the norm now – especially following Covid lockdown. But even when you’re shopping online, there are plenty of ways to shop within the UK.
There’s a whole host of online marketplaces which help you find quirky, unique and handmade gifts, made by independent British businesses. If you want some ideas, check out:
- And So To Shop. The indie marketplace And So To Shop is a great place to find independently made gems. It has lots of categories too, so you’re sure to find that perfect gift, whatever age range you’re looking for!
- Kraftspace. Showcasing designers and makers from all over Britain, Kraftspace is great for finding independent designers and unique artwork, for people seeking unique, stylish and handmade goods.
- Folksy is another home of British craft, positioning itself as ‘the UK’s biggest online craft fair’. It’s a great place to find handmade goods, sold directly by the artists and designers who have created them.
- NuMonday – this website is dedicated to UK makers and artists.
- Crafty Fox – Crafty Fox not only host fabulous in-person markets, but also have a directory of their stallholders so you can shop from UK makers
- Urban Makers – Again, Urban Makers host some great in-person markets, and champion their makers on their website, where you can shop directly from UK makers. They also support The British Red Cross.
- The British Craft House – Supports British makers from all over the country.
- The Market Co – The Market Co champions local makers, hosting fantastic in-person markets and showcasing them in their online marketplace too.
Discover Online Markets
Our sister website, Tresstle, hosts online markets frequently. Click here to see what’s on and shop from them.
Shop Small Love Indie online market runs every 2-4 weeks throughout the year, showcasing lots of British makers.
Click here to discover other online markets on Pedddle.
6 reasons to shop small, independent and local…
1. A real person will do a happy dance each time you buy from them. This is not a myth!! Have you ever seen a TikTok video of Jeff Bezos doing a happy dance? We certainly haven’t – but if you go on to many of Pedddle’s stallholder Instagram grids, most of them have mentioned happy dancing at some point!!
2. Meet the Maker. You can often see exactly how and where things are made, and you know exactly where they come from! It’s lovely getting to know a maker and see behind the scenes of their workshop too.
3. Sustainability. Reduce your carbon footprint by buying goods that are made near you, as it means the products have far less distance to travel to reach your doorstep.
4. Get something unique. Handmade goods aren’t straight off a huge production line, and are often completely unique. Who doesn’t love owning something nobody else in the world has?
5. Keep money in the British economy. Whether you’re shopping from a local maker or a British brand further away, it keeps money in Britain, and in our local communities, which will help us all in turn.
6. You don’t have to search for hours to find something good. The online marketplaces and markets we promote have a HUGE selection of indie brands, designers and makers, with simple categories to click, easy search engines and carefully selected and curated makers.
We hope this inspires you to shop more mindfully. Happy shopping!