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

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

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.

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.

Hey’s Family Butchers in Burnley is just one great business you should consider supporting this Christmas.

(Facebook/ heysfamilybutchers)

They have a variety of Christmas hampers to choose from (£55-£89) and even have a boneless option (£82).

For some truly top-quality meat, consider shopping at Tom Wood Artisan Butcher in Blackburn.

They recently released their Christmas brochure which is packed full of quality meats.

Their turkey’s range from £40-£90, depending on the weight and how many people you are planning to feed.

There is also a fantastic little butchers in Clitheroe called Cowmans Famous Sausage Shop.

During the pandemic, they have been doing a lot of home deliveries but found that customers were eager to come to them when supermarkets queues were too long.

They spoke to Lancashire Telegraph and said: “Our meat is fresh, locally sourced, and you can really taste the difference.”

They sell every type of Christmas meat you can think of, including free range turkeys, goose, ducks and more.  

They said: “We also  have the Christmas sausage available, these are the Pork with Cranberry and Rosemary, Ted’s Christmas Special (juniper berries, port with pork) and Rudolf’s Revenge (chilli and pepper)."

Festive decorations

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

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

Bouquets and Buttons is a business from Blackburn that specialises in decorations.

They sell personalised glass ornaments and baubles for £5.50 each.

House of Harwood in Great Harwood also have some fantastic items for sale.

(Facebook/House of Harwood)
One of their items is a handmade indoor wreath which currently cost £18 each.

Christmas Gifts

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

Once you delve into the world of East Lancashire’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.

If your loved ones are after a tipple this Christmas, then make sure to check out the Whalley Wine shop.

They sell pre-prepared gift sets and can even put hampers together which can be tailored to suit any budget.

If your loved one wants clothes for Christmas, then My Vintage in Darwen is a great place to start looking for gifts- especially if you are looking for quirkier clothes.

They sell vintage clothes for both men and women and also stock some retro homeware items.

If you’re trying to shop for the person who has everything, then By Erin Gift Shop in Darwen could be a great choice.

(Facebook/By Erin Gift Shop)

The family-run shop offers a range of beautiful cards and unique gifts, including stocking filler bracelets and diffusers, just to name a few.

Shopping for the kids this Christmas?

Silly Billy’s Toy Shop is one independent business you can support this festive season.

The Hebden Bridge store was established 1997- they have a lot of great toys in stock, including LEGO products, Sylvanian Families, plush toys and more.

Leave your favourite independent shop in the comment section below.