4 Ways to Support Local Manchester Businesses this Christmas

Tis the season to be jolly, apparently. But there’s no doubt a cost of living crisis might just be causing a little more stress than smiles when it comes to paying for Christmas. Many of us will be looking to spend more sensibly and cut our costs.

The smallest businesses can often be the ones that have the hardest time when people cut their costs. Independent retailers have to compete with Amazon. Independent restaurants are competing with big chains who often have more buying power to enable them better margins (or more competitive prices). So it’s not an easy time to be a local, independent business. We love the diverse range of independent businesses operating in our city! So for those who, like us, want to make sure as much of their hard earned Christmas spending supports them, here are 4 ideas.

Sending Flowers? Support Local Florists

You can probably bag a bargain from one of the big online retailers that ships flowers in boxes that get popped through your letterbox.

But aside from the fact that this is somewhat impersonal, there’s a way to send flowers that actually supports the independent local florists - one of the remaining wonders of our High Streets. You can send Christmas flowers through Direct2Florist and know that you’re supporting local florists. What’s more, it’s these independent local florists who hand tie your bouquet and deliver it to the door of your recipient - not boxed, not left through a letterbox - but handed to your loved one in all their glory.

Direct2Florist currently works with 8 Manchester florists, 10 in Oldham, 10 in Stockport, 10 in Bolton and loads in other parts of Greater Manchester too. So wherever your recipient is across the county, you can send them flowers from a local independent florist.

Support Independent Cinema in the City

Home Manchester is an absolutely iconic city centre venue. But as an independent cinema, going up against chains like Cineworld and Odeon can undoubtedly be challenging. You can buy gift vouchers for Home, which can be redeemed against theatre, cinema tickets and the cafe bar. So if you’re buying experience vouchers for a loved one, instead of buying from the big chains, support one of the most wonderful spots in the city.

Locally Brewed and Distilled Tipsy Tipples

If you treat loved ones to boozy beverages over the festive season (or even stock up your own house for the big day), consider buying from the many breweries and distilleries in the city. The Spirit of Manchester Distillery is the home of the award winning Manchester Gin, One Eyed Rebel and Manchester Spirit Vodka.

The Defiance Distillery (just outside Manchester in Oldham) is home of the best gin in the world. Literally. The Defiance Navy Strength gin scooped up “Best in Show” at the San Francisco World Spirits show.

Cloudwater Brewery brews its beers in the city and you can buy them for loved ones too.

And Marble Beers brews a host of craft ales in the city as well.

So you’re really spoilt for choice if you want to support local breweries and distillers this Christmas.

Shop Local for Gifts

We get it. It’s pretty difficult to beat the convenience offered by the likes of Amazon. But our city is home to so many incredible retailers selling unique items that would make wonderful gifts.

Spend a day or so in the city shopping and you’re bound to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones from some of the city’s greatest, quirkiest independent retailers.

The Manchester Craft and Design Centre in the Northern Quarter is home to many of the city’s makers and you can pick up some amazing handmade gifts there. There’s Vinyl Exchange for gifts for music lovers, Bobcap Books for the avid reader in your life, Fred Aldous for the crafters and who could forget Afflecks Palace for quirky gifts.

In other words, you’re spoilt for choice.

Head out shopping in the city or your local suburb and see what gifts you can buy from local retailers.

Supporting Independent Businesses in Manchester

We LOVE the diversity in the Manchester small business scene. And if we all make a concerted effort to support local businesses, we can expect to see our bustling indie restaurant and retailer scene to thrive well into the future.