As the festive season rapidly approaches (I can't believe we're already nearing the end of 2024!), many of us are scrambling to find that perfect gift for our loved ones. In the UK alone, a staggering £21 billion was spent on Christmas gifts in 2023, and this year, 86% of shoppers plan to buy from large online platforms like Amazon. But there’s another option! With over 32,000 retail businesses across the UK, 99% of which are small or medium-sized enterprises (often employing fewer than 10 people), why not make a difference by supporting your local businesses this Christmas? Here are five great reasons to shop locally:
1. Personalised Service from Experts
Independent shops, particularly retail stores, are often run by passionate owners who handpick the products they sell. Unlike large online retailers, you can speak directly to knowledgeable staff who will share the story behind each item. If (like me), you’re prone to indecision when choosing gifts, they’ll offer expert advice to help you find just the right thing. Shopping locally turns the chore of gift-buying into a warm, personalised experience. Visiting local locations such as a pop-up (which has a limited time frame but unlimited passion) can make your gift search more efficient and focused. You can buy all you need in one place, all at once without having to stress about last minute purchases.
2. Enjoy a Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere
Local shops offer a unique shopping experience that’s hard to match in big-box stores. You’ll find friendly staff, a personal touch, and sometimes even community events. At our pop-up store, we invite you to enjoy a cup of Japanese tea as you browse—creating a relaxed, enjoyable shopping experience. Away from the slightly aggressive marketing, noise and public tension of the traditional high street shopping experience as well as the nervous, hollow and unsure online shopping experience. Finding a warm atmosphere at your local shop can make the decision making easier and the excellent customer service can extend to the gift receiver ensuring satisfaction this holiday season.
3. No Delivery Hassles
One of the best things about shopping locally? You don’t need to worry about delivery times or missed parcels. Simply pop into the shop, pick out your gifts, and head home with your items in hand—no waiting, no delivery delays. Perfect for the busy festive season! With our pop-up store now open (address at the end), our Japanese focused products are all made in Japan. We can guarantee that you are receiving high-quality Japanese designed goods without worrying about custom fees, taxes and items lost in international transit deliveries. You can also see and get context about the items with our Japanese culturally acknowledged and enthusiastic staff. For the holiday season, anxiety-free guaranteed arrivals is what you need as this time of year mailing operations are busier than ever.
4. Discover Unique, High-Quality Products
Local businesses often offer unique, handcrafted items that you won’t find on the high street. Our pop-up shop, for example, features carefully curated ceramics and high-quality goods that make perfect gifts. Plus, you can touch and feel the products, eliminating the risk of disappointing online purchases that don’t look quite like their photos! It is the optimal way to ensure colour, size and proportions are what you want. Visiting in-person also offers the opportunity to see something you wouldn’t have thought of putting into a search bar. You could learn about something entirely new and interesting just by chance. The serendipity of the shopping experience.
5. Be Environmentally Friendly
Shopping in person helps reduce your carbon footprint by cutting down on the need for packaging and delivery transport. Every local purchase is a step towards a more sustainable holiday season. It can also encourage seeing a new part of London, enjoying a nice walk or simply exploring an area outside of your normal routine. It also reduces the chances of having to ship back a return domestically or (in our industry) internationally. We provide paper bags only as well as biodegradable plastic wraps for all our Christmas and holiday cards (only available to see in store). Furthermore our ceramics are carefully chosen and include eco-friendly packaging but dispatching fragile items can lead to an increased carbon footprint and damage risk.
To help you shop locally this festive season, we’re excited to announce our pop-up shop! It’s the perfect opportunity to see our full collection in person and find that special gift for someone you love. Why not take a trip to discover high-quality, unique presents and support local businesses this year?
Nishura EAST Pop-Up Shop
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday to Saturday (until Christmas)
Address: Studio 303, Grand Union Studios, 332 Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5AD
(Please buzz “303” on the intercom, and we’ll let you in!)