IT’S Small Business Saturday, which is a day to recognise and appreciate the hardworking independent companies in our area.

Luckily for us, there are some fantastic local businesses to choose from in Worcester.

Most of them have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and would be appreciative of your support and custom at during the festive season.

Last year, over £800m was spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday, and a record turnout of 17.6 million people choosing to shop small on the day.

Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK said: "This year, with the impact of Covid-19 and another lockdown, it is vital that we continue to support small businesses as this crisis continues and keep them high on everyone’s agenda.

"Not only are small businesses at the heart of our economy, but they play a vital role in supporting our communities"

From local butchers, to quaint gift shops, here are some independent retailers you should consider purchasing from this festive season:

Christmas Meat

While you could get your Christmas turkey from the nearest Aldi or Tesco, there are plenty of local butchers who would appreciate your custom this year.

Not only will you be supporting a local business, you will also be purchasing top-quality meat.

One fantastic butcher to consider is H.Dayus The Master Butcher in St Johns.
They have a variety of meats on their Christmas menu, including a Deluxe Christmas Hamper which is priced at £120.

(Facebook/hdayusthemasterbutcher) This comes with a 5kg free range bronze turkey, topside of beef, pigs in blankets, goose fat and a gala pork pie.   The last day for orders here is the 12th December and they have already sold out of Goodman’s Geece so you better place your order fast.

However, they aren’t the only butcher with a great reputation in Worcester.

M&M Meats has been serving the people of Worcester since 1984 and have some great meat hampers available.

Their most luxurious hamper is £79.99 and contains 2kg of turkey breast, topside of beef, a gammon joint and plenty of trimmings.

Festive decorations

We have already outlined the best places to get a real Christmas tree in Worcester.

Once the tree is up and the pine scent fills your house, it’s time to get decorating.

The County Christmas Shop is one of the first independent shops that springs to mind when it comes to festive décor.

(Facebook/The-Country-Christmas-shop)

They have some truly beautiful products available, including ceramic gingerbread tree hangers (£5), deluxe wreaths (£15-£33) and much more.

Traditional Christmas Tree hangers are currently £2 each or 3 for £5.

These products can be purchased online but they also have a shop on the high street.

Simon Askew runs the family business and said the pandemic has made a huge impact on their business. 

He added: "We would love people to buy from us this Christmas as we are a local, independent, family run business doing our best in these difficult times."

Christmas Gifts

Have you considered getting your Christmas gifts from a local business this year?

Once you delve into the world of Worcester’s independent retailers, you might be surprised at just how many unique and fantastic gifts there are on the market.

We have already looked at the unique products being sold by local Etsy sellers- but there are plenty of other independent online and high street shops that could use your custom.

Cornucopia on Chapel Walk was named Britain’s best small shop of 2020.

(Facebook/Cornucopia Worcester)

They specialise in homeware and gifts- they currently have some lovely items in stock.

Their adorable Christmas Jellycat range would make for a great home decoration; they would even work as a stocking filler.

(Facebook/Cornucopia Worcester)

Not sure what to get your Secret Santa? Cornucopia also sell a vast array of wax melts and wax melt burners for those who love festive scents.

Many people have picked up some new hobbies during lockdown in a bid to pass the time.

If your loved ones discovered their love of knitting or crocheting, then a gift from Wotahoot would be welcomed.

They have some sewing and embroidery kits for sale, as well as some knitting patterns so you can try your hand at making your own clothing items.

If you purchase a few items from this store, you could make your loved one a crafting hamper.

Kirsty Broadbent is the founder of the company and she said Covid hit them "hard".

She added: "If people are interested in buying yarn and getting help with their projects in a fabulous local place they should think about buying from me. If they prefer to buy online, I may not be here in 2021! 

"My new Stitch kits would make ideal Christmas gifts as they come complete in a fabulous box, making them very easy to wrap."
 

Know a friend or family member who loves a tipple? Piston Distillery is reknowned for its gin-based products.

(Facebook/PistonDistillery)

From Strawberry and Hibiscus Gin, to quirky Coffee Infused Gin, there are a variety of flavours to try at this company.

They also sell some gift sets, including a Piston Pick ‘N’ Mix set (£50) and a Cocktail Party Box (£39) which would be perfect for a girl’s night in.

Finally, if you still have to buy some gifts for the children in your life, then Auntie Em’s Toy Emporium is a fantastic small business to support.

Some of these toys aren’t like anything you will find on the high street, but there are also familiar brands, such as Playmobil and Orchard Toys.

Some of the wooden toys are so beautiful you will be reluctant to give them away.

While the City Arcade shop itself isn’t open, you can still purchase toys online.

Leave your favourite independent shops in the comment section below.