News
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This week's newsletter is inspired by Holly Tucker, of Not on the High Street origin and now founder of Holly & Co, and the wonderful work she and her company are doing to promote and support small businesses this month.
June marks the first annual Campaign Shop Independent which is running throughout this month, building up to the 25th June; the first ever official ShopIndependentDay and exactly 6 months until Christmas Day, gulp! Holly & Co are banging the drum for small businesses across the country, a lot of whom saw a big boost in sales and support for shopping locally and independently during the Pandemic. Holly is keen to not loose this positive step in building back up the recognition for shopping with small UK based brands as life returns to normal, and asking people to consider where they are putting their money for the good of local communities and the wider economy.
To quote Holly "Imagine if everyone was to spend just £1 with independents each and everyday, that would add an additional £19 billion into the UK economy.
As a small, independent and growing business, this statement blows my mind...imagine indeed Holly! Our ethos from the very outset, since launching in 2018, has been about being a brand with a face and a voice for our extremely loyal customers. We are passionate about offering the very best choice, quality and style in British fine bone china and here at Jo D, we could not be more behind this campaign to champion the best that British independent retail has to offer.
My company would not be what it is without my customers purposefully choosing to shop with me, buying my products and supporting my brand and our ethos. By shopping with us you are supporting British local jobs and manufacturing. When I say local I really mean that, as all our products are designed and manufactured within a 65 mile radius, from Worcestershire to Stoke-on-Trent and back, and we are extremely proud of this!
So we too are banging the drum and waving the flag for all small businesses right across the country who are trying to grow and thrive in this every changing crazy world we live in! We thought it would be nice to shout about some of our favourite local and British brands that we so enjoy shopping with, and I hope this inspires you to really consider where you shop and who you are supporting in the process.
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Jo's top 5 favourite small independents to shop/support/enjoy...
Deakin and Francis have been in business since 1768, so you could say this isn't exactly a small independent! However, this family run business still remains in the original factory in Birmingham and has added a flagship store in London's Piccadilly Arcade to its brand in more recent times.
D&F make some of the world's finest cufflinks, signet rings, gentlemen's accessories, ladies jewellery and bespoke commissions. Across seven generations, D&F continue to build on the heritage, brand and family values that have been created over the past two centuries, with quality and eccentricity at the core.
This fabulous place not only stocks our brand new Peacock range teapot and matching cups and saucers but they also serve fresh local beautiful breakfasts, brunches and lunches from Chef Susie Mandleberg, plus they host monthly guest chef pop ups with Sauce Supper Club and are home to Dine at Home with Tom Shepherd. This is a very special small but thriving business and we so enjoyed a very special Dine at Home box from Tom during the last lockdown, it is truly spoiling!
Indian Summer is based in Fulham, London and is a lifestyle boutique, selling a colourfully curated mix of clothing, accessories, jewellery, home ware, stationery and party wear. Founded by mum and entrepreneur, Ruth Green in 2004. Who wanted to create a lifestyle store in London that offered a more relaxed approach to style and shopping. Indian Summer offers a message of optimism, fun and a relaxed, luxurious approach to style. This bright and vibrant store champions new and super stylish brands and products in a laid-back environment with a vibe that can't help but put you in a good mood...what is not to love about this store?!
I went to school with Millie (quite a few years ago now!) and have always followed, bought and shouted about her talents from the roof tops. This image tells you everything you need to know about Millie. She is talented, vibrant and utterly free-spirited and her artwork can't help but make you smile, uplift your spirits and make your walls sing with happy vibes.
These gorgeous girls have taken the humble snuggly jumper and emulated it to dizzying heights of colour and style. Gussy and Lou create wearable & fun-infused women's and childrenswear, from ready-to-wear cashmere to everyday jeans and the perfect summer wardrobe additions. Finally with some gloriously warm weather here I have got my eye on this floaty number, the perfect throw-on summer dress!
Remember, think BIG, shop SMALL and support your local brands and businesses for the good of the community, economy and country as a whole!
Love Jo x
