Scottish shops and local businesses have fought to be there for us throughout the trials and tribulations of 2020. Many have been part of their communities for decades, if not generations.
So, this Christmas, it is time to even the score by offering our support, through financial custom and positive word of mouth, to the cafes, boutiques, bars and local enterprises which are made in – and make up – Scotland.
A move online
As non-essential stores have closed in Tier-4 areas of the country, many Scottish businesses have pivoted towards e-commerce in an effort to survive the coronavirus pandemic. Website improvements, making products and services available online and increased social media marketing have all helped small business owners to keep afloat in the past few months. And it is not just retailers reaping the benefits of operating online.
The shift to e-commerce also means it has never been easier to give patronage to smaller, independent retailers, as opposed to the larger trade giants.
And thankfully, Scotland has no shortage of options when it comes to gifts or festive treats which are readily available and affordable. From bespoke jewellery and furniture makers, to fashion boutiques and home improvement brands, you can always rely on good old Caledonian commerce.
Support small, think local
As you carry out your Christmas shopping in the coming weeks – in-store or online – before you head straight for retail giants’ bargain bins, perhaps spare a thought for Scotland’s smaller traders.
Ensure their future by thinking and shopping local…
Jo-AMI
Jo-AMI creates cool, comfy and considered designs, specializing in knitwear and crochet products that are ethically manufactured in small batches in Scotland. Jo-AMI produces collections for the modern day customer that challenge the traditional notion of knitwear with an individual aesthetic, distinctive style and use of colour. Products range from the best-selling Bella beanie to eye-catching socks and tote bags.
Their design process carefully considers the issue of sustainability through using reclaimed, recycled and natural yarns to produce high quality products. The long lasting designs retain key Scottish nostalgic traits and celebrate founder Jolene’s personal connection to the Scottish Knitwear industry – in which her ancestors owned Donbros Knitwear in Alloa in the 1960’s. Jolene proudly produces over half of the products in her Dundee based studio whilst also working with highly skilled independent Scottish manufacturers.
Feel cool and comfy in stylish Scottish knitwear.
Visit the Jo-Ami website here.
Scottish Keepsakes
Scottish Keepsakes is the new destination for beautifully hand-crafted gifts.
From their workshop in Ayrshire, they design and produce a unique collection of Scottish-themed gifts and mementos, with creations reflecting some of Scotland’s most well-loved cultural icons – heathers & thistles, Harris tweed and tartan ribbons – incorporated into our products, sure to delight.
A new range of rock slate coasters featuring in-house designs is now available. The ever-popular heilan’ coo and stag make these beautiful, high quality gifts.
Or perhaps a Scottish-themed lucky sixpences, personalised for someone special? Compact, lightweight and reasonably priced, there’s something to suit every taste and pocket.
Although many Weddings were postponed this year, Scottish Keepsakes have still had high demand for their personalised luxury decorated horseshoe gift sets for forthcoming Weddings, available in a range of tartans.
Postsing world-wide with personal notes and gift-wrapping included on request, gifting from a distance has never been easier!
Take a look at their website for further gift ideas, and sign up for their newsletter to take advantage of exclusive offers!
Harris Tweed
Harris Tweed, Isle of Harris offers a superb selection of Harris Tweed bags, purses, shoes, hats, jackets and many more items – both in store and online.
They have gift ideas this season for the whole family and some great discounts running right through December.
With cloth available from as little as a quarter metre of double width, it is perfect for anyone who wants to try making their own Christmas gifts and decorations.
So, if you are feeling creative, or are simply wishing for a Harris Tweed piece to add to your wardrobe, visit the Harris Tweed website and have a browse of their products here.
The Watch And Jewellery Repair Company
This company can repair and service most popular makes of watches, including Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Longine, Cartier, Jaeger, IWC and many others.
They also have an enviable reputation for servicing older and vintage
watches, including antique pocket watches.
A member of the British Watch & Clockmakers Guild, they are fully accredited and usually with savings on ‘high street’ prices.
Services include:
– Repair, restoration and remodelling of jewellery, including pearl restringing
– Engraving and hand-engraving service
– Repair and restoration of barographs, barometers, silver and plate
For more information, visit their website or call – 0141 946 6333
Lumiescents
Lumiescents is a Scottish based, family-run business built on years of loving and making candles within a family home. Offering a full range of hand-crafted home fragrance products inspired by the beauty and essence of Scotland, all items are handcrafted to exacting standards, using uniquely blended scents.
A candle is nothing without a beautiful fragrance and you can tell that LumieScents are obsessed with fragrances. They believe there are too many candles on the market which smell the same as one another, and that’s why they made it their mission to bring you a new range of scents that you won’t find anywhere else.
So much so that they have developed and blended a wide range of unique scents that you will only find in a LumieScents product.
Whether you want soy wax candles, wax melts, reed diffusers or room sprays, Lumiecents have all these things and more. From gifts, candle-holders and wax warmers, to hampers and Christmas decorations, Lumiescents has the perfect gift for your loved ones this Christmas.
Visit them in store or online and quote Scent2020 and receive 20% discount.
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