Small businesses, boutiques and independent labels are the bread and butter of Manchester, they’re our beating heart.
However, after a difficult year of store closures and mapping a pandemic, our local businesses may not be as safe as we once presumed.
If we want these boutiques to always be around the corner, it’s crucial we keep supporting them.
If times are tight and you can’t shell out loads of cash doing so, not to worry! Here are some of the best alternative ways to support your local creatives.
Small businesses need our help more than ever / Image: Tim Mossholder via Pexels
Leave a review
We’ve all been there before – about to book a table at a restaurant or visit a new coffee shop, but we can’t help but check the reviews beforehand just in case.
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Too often, we will leave a negative review if we’re dissatisfied with the service, but people rarely think to leave some positive words when they have enjoyed something.
Not only will your praise mean the world to a small business owner, it will also help potential customers make an informed decision when visiting.
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Interact with their social media posts
Due to the pandemic, a lot of local businesses have shifted their efforts online, either fully abandoning their brick-and-mortar stores or putting more focus on a website.
Therefore, social media is an invaluable tool for many independents trying to reach new audiences and attract customers.
A little really goes a long way – sharing Facebook posts, mentioning them in an Instagram story or liking their TikToks take two seconds, yet could make a massive difference.
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Recommend them to friends
If you love a certain small business, chances are your friends and family will too.
Why not introduce them to your latest discovery in Manchester’s independent scene? You never know, they might just fall in love with it.
Plus, it feels great as a small business owner to know that people are talking about your work and loving it.
Something as simple as leaving a review can make a huge difference to independents / Image: Rachel Claire via Pexels
Shop with them for presents
From Mother’s Day to graduation and everything in between, there’s always another occasion or event to buy gifts for.
Instead of doing a quick Amazon order or shopping from a global chain, why not support a local creative and shop from their store to find the perfect piece?
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Chances are you’ll find something unique that can’t be found anywhere else, plus the dedication and effort to find the perfect piece will definitely gain you some bonus friendship points.
Purchase a gift card
Gift cards don’t have to be a present, you can even use them yourself when making purchases.
This is a great way to show your loyalty and return to the store numerous times to try something new.
If you can’t physically get into their store (or, worst-case scenario, we enter more restrictions), this is a great way to still demonstrate your support.
Neglect the chain when treating yourself
Whether it’s an iced coffee and cake on a summer’s day, or splurging on a fancy dress, why not turn towards a small business when treating yourself?
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It’s easy to visit your local chain and buy something, but chances are you’ll pay a similar price for a much nicer product (plus an incredible evening) by staying local.
Even if it’s only something small, these swaps will make a massive difference in the long run.
Businesses are trying to recover after a tough 18 months / Image: Amina Filkins via Pexels
Show your appreciation
Above all, remember to be a nice customer! Don’t hide it if you like something – you can guarantee the owners will love to hear about it!
Visiting a local small business with a smile on your face and telling the staff how much you love their work may seem like a small act, but in reality it’ll make their day.
While this doesn’t help in terms of money, that positive experience may just be the motivation they need to continue with their craft.
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
JD shuts down Northern Quarter with surprise set in a phone shop from DJ Josh Baker
Daisy Jackson
JD pulled off a massive party in a phone shop in the Northern Quarter last night, with a surprise set from one of the world’s hottest DJs right now, Josh Baker.
The North West sportswear giant opened ‘Phones-4-Youse’ to coincide with the release of its new JD Christmas advert, which played on screens to the packed-out crowd.
Josh Baker stars in the Christmas campaign, ‘Where are you going?’, which is a self-directed portrait of youth culture, all films entirely on mobile phones by young people.
JD chose to shoot its new campaign without rigs, sets, or lighting crews, and instead used footage shot by 286 individuals around the world.
These user submissions captured life exactly as the young people involved see it.
The JD party last night was a moment of music, community and energy, with Josh Baker performing to a delighted and packed-out crowd in a pop-up phone shop.
Josh Baker at the JD event last night
Every corner of the venue told the JD story, with branding and clips of the ad everywhere.
The ‘Where are you going?’ campaign celebrates a generation that refuses to be put in a box, showing the energy, emotion and individuality that drives them forward.
Whether it’s collecting exam results or chasing platinum records, it’s a snapshot of the life of young people right now.
One voice says: “I want to be famous. If that doesn’t work, I’ll just become a pharmacist.”
Stills from the JD Christmas campaign ‘Where Are You Going?’
Another admits “You can fail, you can make mistakes…but really, who cares.”
Someone else confides: “I’m scared we’re not going to be friends in 10 years,” while another adds: “I wanna have fun, times are changing – you get me.”
There are some famous faces involved, like Cole Palmer having his picture taken with fans, Nemzzz in the club with his crew, and Jade Thirwell between takes in the studio.
And you can see Paddy the Baddy mentoring the next generation of talent in the gym, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the tennis court with a friend.
Sky Newman also stars, riding with a friend.
The entire campaign showcases the simple, joyful moments that exist in all of our camera rolls.
Neil Corrie, Marketing Director at JD, says: “Young people today don’t need to be told who they are, they’re already showing us.
“JD’s ‘Where are you going?’ isn’t about them, it’s made by them. It’s their voice and their direction. This is youth culture, not as a trend to follow, but as a movement to believe in.”
The JD ‘Where are you going?’ Christmas campaign has launched on the JD YouTube and across digital and OOH channels today, with exclusive drops also online HERE and in stores across the UK.
Daisy Bradbury -
16th July 2021 
