Northwich Guardian Best Of 2022 top eight independent shops revealed

Last Friday, we launched our latest Best of 2022 search as part of these celebrations, which will run until Independents’ Day on Sunday, July 3, and we wanted to find the best independent shop or business in the area.

So far in our Best of 2022 competition we’ve looked at hair, nails, beauty and fitness as well as pies, pubs, fish chips and breakfast with voting taking place in the best afternoon tea category over the weekend.

Next up, we wanted to show small business owners at the heart of our local communities some love and celebrate the best the town has to offer as they juggle increasing overheads, competition from big brand companies and the ever-increasing trend for online shopping.

With independent businesses accounting for around 65% of retail outlets in the UK, it’s a sector that has been hit hard with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

We asked you to make your favourite’s day by nominating them for our Best Independent Shop award and joining the #ukindieday promotional campaign.

After reading all of your nominations, we’ve shortlisted the top eight, who will battle it out to be named Best Independent Shop in the area.

Now we need your help to choose an overall winner from our shortlist.

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best Of post on our Northwich Guardian, Knutsford Guardian or Winsford and Middlewich Guardian Facebook pages and comment under the post with the name of your winner = 1 vote

2. Name your favourite in the comments section on this article via our website = 2 votes

3. Purchase a copy of this week’s Northwich Guardian, Knutsford Guardian or Winsford and Middlewich Guardian (June 30 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk – please note that only original copies will be accepted. More than one entry can be submitted per person but you will be asked to provide your own unique reference code for each entry to avoid duplication eg if your name is Smith you may wish to write Smith123 or HS21! as your code. You will need to provide a different code for each entry submitted. For full terms and conditions go to Newsquest.co.uk/terms)

Voting officially opens today, Thursday, and closes at midnight on Monday and we will be announcing the winner next week.

Keep an eye out for our next Best Of appeal on our social media pages on Friday, when we will be asking readers to send in nominations in our next Best of 2022 category.

OUR EIGHT BEST INDEPENDENT SHOPS SHORTLIST:

Weigh of the World, Witton Street, Northwich

Northwich’s first ever zero waste shop providing customers with the ability to refill food and cleaning products in their own containers, buying as little or as much as they want and reducing packaging.

One nomination said: “I love that it is a shop to rival supermarkets and though it’s small – and beautiful – it is extremely welcoming and has, at its core, a desire to create positive change.”

Another said: “This is a little saviour fighting for the environment and gently helping the rest of us to do the same.”

For more details go to facebook.com/weighoftheworld

Weigh of the World

Pulse of Perfumery, Knutsford

There were lots of happy customers who nominated this sweet-smelling business on King Street.

The independent perfumery has fragrance expertise alongside a carefully curated range of world leading fragrance brands and they also offer private consultations, shopping evenings and perfume parties.

One said: “It should be Pulse by Perfumery by a country mile!

“Peter loves Knutsford and he’s not just here to make money – he gives back to his community and there should be more people like him.”

Another said: “Their success is a testament to their passion and hard work.”

For more details go to facebook.com/pulseofperfumery

Pulse of Perfumery

Your Local Winsford, High Street, Winsford

This convenience store and off license was a popular choice with recommendations coming from people of all ages.

One said: “They are such a lovely, kind family who make me and my children feel welcome, especially my son, who loves going in and telling them about his day!”

Another said: “Such a lovely family and nothing is ever too much trouble.

“Charlotte and her family have made such a great impact on the area for the locals.”

For more details go to facebook.com/Your-Local-Winsford-103026555486164/

Your Local Winsford

AJ Devaney, Wheelock Street, Middlewich

This family-run butcher’s shop has been in the heart of Middlewich for more than 30 years.

One recommendation on their Facebook page said: “Consistently top quality meat, a great selection and really helpful and knowledgeable advice.

“A gem of a local shop and always a warm welcome.

“Can’t recommend Aidan and Joseph enough.”

For more details go to facebook.com/AJDevaneyButcher

AJ Devaney

Fat Dog, The old printworks, Navigation Road, Northwich

This “incredible place” with “amazing staff” was a must for our shortlist with loyal customers recommending the shop on Facebook and via email.

Another nomination said: “The staff are amazing and really helped my daughter who is having a hard time at the moment.

“She came out of their shop saying that it felt like a safe space and was very inclusive.”

For more details go to facebook.com/FatDogRetail

Fat Dog Retail

Northwich Art Shop, Witton Street, Northwich

This independent family-run business offers online sales as well as in-store purchases and they pride themselves in being a specialist art materials supplier for amateur and professional artists.

They have a mission to demystify art and help people see that anyone can create art, you just have to let your imagination fly.

One happy customer said: “Phil Bower has encouraged and supported local artists throughout Covid and offered discounts to our group as well as promoting creative and visual art in any way he can.

“He is very knowledgeable and is the go-to-guy for anything art related.”

For more details go to facebook.com/NorthwichArtShop

Nrothwich Art Shop

The Style Hut, Northwich Indoor Market

The Style Hut is a ladies boutique selling the latest fashion and accessories at excellent prices.

One nomination said: “Lovely, affordable clothes and Claire is always friendly and helpful.”

Another described it as a “hidden gem”.

For more details go to facebook.com/thehair.hut.56/

The Style Hut

Crafty Stitches, Witton Street, Northwich

Could this be the final hurrah for this long-established wool and craft shop?

Having announced earlier this month that they’d taken the decision to close the shop, which opened in 1946, Joan and Louise’s customers took to Facebook to nominate them for this award.

One said it was “the best independent shop in town” and another said it’s “superb with great, friendly staff”.

For more details go to facebook.com/CraftyStitches/

Crafty Stitches