Spotlight on independent shops in Exeter
Print Lifestyle Editor Danni Darrah explores some of her favourite independent shops in Exeter and tells us why we should support them too.
It’s no secret that my eyes detect independent shops better than a bee can spot honey. Tucked away in the hidden crevices of Exeter’s high street are a few of my favourite gems in the rough, new and old. Spending a little more time seeking these out will not only improve your moral financial compass, but also will most likely give you a gorgeous retail experience that your standardised Zara most definitely wouldn’t grant you. To begin in Queen Street, you could essentially do all of your Christmas shopping at the independent gift store, Hyde and Seek (opposite Oggy Oggy). With everything from framed prints and an entire eco range, to Murder Mystery games and patterned loo roll, this shop is a colourful treat for the senses.
Or if you were on the hunt for a rewarding sweet treat, be sure to head just a little further down the high street to Bartholomew West Street and find Cake Or Death. One bite of their plant based brownies and I promise you’ll be sent straight to a gooey, chocolatey heaven (I suggest we change the name to Cake and Death). At just two pound 50 per generous slice, this is the perfect motivation to finish a late night studying and is, in the same breath, supporting the local business and all their friendly bakers.
Exeter is filled with special independent shops that keep the high street alive and prevents the slow and painful descent into the mainstream of stores that don’t offer anything new or different.
A bookworm like me is more than likely to hunt for the cosy book shops within such an old town, and trust me when I say I had no reason to worry. Instead of browsing for your next ten pound read in Waterstones, head on down to Book-Cycle, Exeter’s free bookshop. In here, you can take a maximum of three books at a time by simply donating as much as you like or think the books might be worth. Personally, I love the diversity of genres and topics that Book-Cycle stock; from psychology and religion to foreign language books, this store is definitely worth visiting (even if it is just for the aesthetically pleasing sofa by the window on the second floor).
I first had the pleasure of finding the vintage fashion in independent store, Sobeys, on Gandy Street in my first year. With just three stores across England and all clothing being reworked and/or up-cycled, this is a perfect collection to browse for a garment unlike any other.
Exeter is filled with special independent shops that keep the high street alive and prevents the slow and painful descent into the mainstream of stores that don’t offer anything new or different. It’s at your fingertips, all you have to do is seek it out
