words: RACHEL FOX
Support Cardiff’s independent businesses and ban yourself from high street stores as part of the #ShopCardiff challenge which takes place from Mon 25 Mar-Mon 1 Apr and encourages shoppers to re-engage with their local independent businesses.
With all sorts of local shops taking part in the challenge, there are plenty of opportunities to prove that you don’t need to go to the big high street chain stores to pick up a great gift or some wonderful food or clothing in an area near you. In fact, many local businesses involved in the campaign are offering incredible discounts and special offers during the week in order to celebrate independents and encourage more people to pop into their local coffee shop, deli, butcher or clothes store. Who knows, you even might even discover somewhere new to fall in love with. Keep up-to-date with regular news by following @tweetcardiff, searching #ShopCardiff or checking out www.shopcardiff.wordpress.com
Ahead of the week’s challenge we’ve picked out five of our favourite independents we think you should definitely be checking out.
HALCYON DAZE
This quirky clothing shop on Wellfield Road retails unique clothing designs, a wide range of perfect gifts and homeware, and much of the jewellery is one of a kind. This store has captured the hearts of many people with its carefully selected merchandise, and for first-timers it won’t disappoint.
Wellfield Road, Roath, open: Mon-Sat, 9.30-5.30 and Sun 12-4, info: 029 2045 4432
HOBOS
This friendly store in Cardiff is one of the quirkiest places around to buy vintage clothes. Renowned for its unique vintage stock mainly from the 60s, 70s and 80s, Hobos guarantees originality. Located in the heart of the Cardiff city centre, the shop is easily accessed and definitely worth a good browse.
High St Arcade, Cardiff, open Mon-Fri, 10.30-5.30, Sat 10-5.30 and Sun 12-4, info: 029 2034 1188
DELI ROUGE
Offering great tapas and a range of hot and cold dishes from morning ‘til night, Deli Rouge is an independently run delicatessen popular with many in the area. Not only that, this deli sells a wide range of continental cheese, meats, olives and marinated vegetables for you to take away. Along with its extensive range of wine, it would be your loss not to check it out.
Pen-Y-Wain Rd, Roath, open: Mon-Wed 8.30-6, Thurs-Sat 8.30-9 and Sun 10-4, info: 029 2048 3871
PAVILION CLOTHING
An independent retailer in Cardiff for over 20 years, Pavilion Clothing are also one of the supporters of #ShopCardiff and they’ll be offering 20% off through the week. The store offers high customer service and sells high quality and affordable clothes.
Wharton St, Cardiff, open: Mon-Sat 9.30-5.30 and Sun 11-4, Info: www.pavilionclothing.com / 029 2023 5333
SPILLERS RECORDS
Renowned as the oldest record shop in the world, Spilllers still holds a strong place in Cardiff’s centre. Founded in 1894, Spillers has thrived ever since and retails a remarkable amount of music from a huge variety of genres. The tastemaking record shop also sells a wide range of music on vinyl if you’re feeling really vintage.
The Morgan Arcade, Cardiff, open: Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 9.30-6 and Sun 11-4, Info: http://www.spillersrecords.co.uk / 029 2022 4905
