So, to keep the world turning and morale up, I thought I'd share 50 independent businesses which, not only offer amazing products and services, but could really do with some support right now.
I don’t know about you but I’ve found Lockdown 2.0 much harder than the first one. Getting a taste of normality for a few short months and then having to retreat back to our homes has been tough. But for small business owners its been even tougher. To the shops and restaurants who have had to close their doors once again and during one of the most important trading months of the year, my heart goes out to you.
So, to keep the world turning and morale up, I thought I’d share 45 independent businesses which, not only offer amazing products and services, but could really do with some support right now. With Black Friday and Christmas coming up, there isn’t a better time to embrace and support some new brands. Several of these brands are participating in Black Friday/Cyber Monday so I will be updating this post with promo codes and discounts throughout the week. Do keep popping back as it may save you some extra pennies!


Fashion
You’ve already heard me go on and on about Sign of the Times but with their store currently closed, they have taken to Instagram and online to sell their amazing assortment of luxury preloved pieces. As lots of ladies have used lockdown to clear their closets out, the preloved market is booming and there are some amazing pieces to snap up. Find more information about them in a previous post HERE.
Sign of the Times is donating a portion of all sales over Black Friday/Cyber Monday to Fashion Revolution
My dad bought me an Alex Monroe necklace last Christmas (this one HERE) and I’ve worn it every single day. If you’re after something special with a fun twist, Alex Monroe is the brand to check out. Plus, they are ethical and sustainable in their production, so what’s not to love?
When I first heard about Modibodi it immediately caught my attention. They create underwear that deals with periods, meaning you can do away with wasteful tampons and pads which use lots of single-use plastic. They cater to 4 different flows, as well as bladder leaks. Pricey but a game-changer.
Spend £65 to receive 25% off with code CYBER25 & 30% off orders over £110 with code CYBER30
I sound like a broken record with my preloved fashion obsession but Armcandy Bag Co is another preowned company worth knowing. They
Grab an extra 5% off bags up to £999 with code HAPPY5 or £50 off bags over £1000 with code HAPPY50 between Friday 27th November to Monday 30th November
My
Currently has 30% off selected styles
If you’re looking for timeless fine
Between 27th Nov – 2nd Dec, London Road is offering 15% off
Anyone who
I can’t remember for the life of me how I discovered Big Wild Thought but I do remember thinking what a brilliant concept it is. They’re a clothing and accessories brand
For any fellow dog lovers, you need to know about Florence and Ottie. If you order their bespoke pet portrait sweatshirts or tees, they’ll not only send you an A4 print of the original drawing of your beloved
Receive 10% off every order with AUTUMNGRACE
This New York fine
25% off and a free gift with every purchase for Black Friday/ Cyber Weekend with code GIFT25
The best clutch bag in the game. If you’re after a chic clutch bag
Currently reduced from £89.99 to £34.99
I asked my sister to pick a couple of small businesses she loves and this is one of them. Alice Ruby hand makes fine
This is another recommendation so I’m yet to try their cashmere out. However, I am planning on buying a pair of men’s joggers from them as a Christmas gift for someone (side note: it’s really difficult to find well-priced men’s cashmere joggers – there are plenty of options for women but very few for men). I’ve heard the quality is lovely, they can be machined wash and are very well priced.
Here’s another jewellery brand but this one is different in that they use laboratory-grown gemstones which are free from the atrocities of mining stones. Her designs are truly out of this world and if you like a statement Anabela Chan is your girl. I also have to mention her beautiful facemasks which are pricey but beyond stunning!
Why not add one more preloved luxury fashion seller to the mix? Blaise predominately sells preloved luxury handbags and accessories via Instagram (although she is currently building a website). Her selection and prices are fantastic, keep an eye out for her weekly Friday drop with new stock but be warned 70% of items sell on the first day.
Currently running various Cyber Week deals on her Instagram stories
The Wild at Heart Foundation is on a mission to end the suffering of stray dogs and compassionately reduce the world’s 600 million stray dog population. As part of their fundraising, they sell some adorable sweaters and tees with some fab slogans. Great for any doggo lover!
Text DOGSOVERDEALS to 70085 to give £2
Beauty & Wellbeing
I’ve talked about Soap Co. several times on this blog. They are the most amazing initiative
If you’ve found yourself suffering from dry skin during
This brand gets a mention due to their amazing Kale 3D Cleanse which is one of the best cleansers I’ve used when it comes to getting a deep but gentle clean. It’s 70% organic, certified vegan,
Use code GREEN20 for 20% off
For the American dwellers, Baiser Beauty is a brand
Use code DIVINE for a massive 60% off
I wasn’t quite sure which section to put this in but figured “adventure” is good for our wellbeing so I placed it here. I’m planning on buying this for my boyfriend for Christmas as I think it’s such a great idea. The Adventure Challenge is a keepsake book
20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20
If you haven’t tried Spacemasks you are missing out. These self-heating
Buy 5 boxes and get another free till 17th December. No code necessary
I can’t believe Jo Loves doesn’t get more hype. The founder started Jo Malone and I actually think she has created a better product this time around. The fragrances are stunning, long-lasting
Receive a free shower gel and free delivery with code BLACKFRIDAY20. Alternatively, get the matching body lotion on orders over £100 with code BLACKFRIDAY100.
Happy Box London is the antidote to impersonal presents. They create gift boxes filled with an assortment of individual items tailored to someone’s personality and tastes. My personal


HOME & INTERIORS
I recently moved house and got 90% of my furniture from Andrew Martin. The delivery team was absolutely amazing while adhering to contact free protocols. If you don’t need a whole new set of furniture but fancy a refresh, they have the best cushion selection in the game!
Black November has already kicked off with up to 70% off selected items
Addin
30% off with code BF30
This is the place to treat yourself to some divine bedlinen. If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift I highly recommend The Best Dressed gift set, which I recently gave as a wedding gift and went down a treat with the
Use code THANKS20 for 20% off
I’ve been using Kinn Living cleaning products on and off for a couple of years now and I highly recommend them. They’re natural, safe, eco-friendly and effective, what more could you want?
I struggled with which category to place this one in as they create a wide range of amazing products from original artwork to care packages to chocolate to
Would I even be me if I didn’t include a candle brand in my list of fabulous smaller brands? Abalon does some of the most beautiful candles I’ve tried. They’re all handmade in West London in the most delicate ceramic pots. They’re also refillable at a smidgen of the original cost.
I’ve been meaning to treat myself to a little something from this immensely talented artist for a while. Diane Hill is a Chinoiserie artist and has started to put some of her amazing artwork on phone cases. They are honestly some of the most beautiful cases I’ve ever seen. If you don’t currently need one, then her prints are also worth checking out.
25% off orders over £50 with code 25FORYOU (excludes Botanical Collection)
This is an Australian brand so I haven’t had the chance to try them out yet but their candles look incredible and I’m desperate to get my hands on one! Fingers crossed they will be a UK stockist soon but if you’re lucky enough to be in Australia they’re definitely worth checking out.
30% off sitewide for Black Friday only
Everyone has a weakness and mine is ceramics. If you follow my home account on Instagram (@thatnewdresshome), you’ll know I obsessively post about various pots, bowls
I’ve been thinking about having a baby just so I can buy something from here (fortunately, my best friend is having one so I can finally make a purchase!). What a Curly Life
This is a really fun brand
For the
One thing you can never have too many of is candles. Noa comes highly recommended by my sister who loves their cruelty-free, vegan
Grab 10% off all orders with code SHOPSMALL
Holly is one of my
FOOD
I discovered Vegummies through my sister, who tricked me into trying them before telling me they were vegan and I honestly couldn’t tell the difference. Although I’m not a vegan, it’s great to see a small business catering to those who are.
20% off pick & mix sweets and sweet pouches, first 100 orders get a free cream egg and a tree will be planted with every order
For any foodies, anything The Smokey Carter is a real treat. They create BBQ spice rubs, hot sauces, chilli jams and chutneys to make those home-cooked meals taste even better!
This was a recent discovery and my goodness it’s delicious. Their Salted Caramel tastes like it’s from an Italian gelato shop.
My new favourite chocolate bar is from Tony’s Chocoloney. Not only do they strive to create the most amazing chocolate, they also focus their attention on creating a slave free, fully transparent supply chain. I haven’t tried all the flavours yet, but I can tell you, the Milk Caramel Sea Salt is sensational!
Bird & Blend creates some the best teas I’ve ever tried. Their array of flavours is mind boggling and the ones I’ve tasted really do taste as good as they sound.
Audrey’s has been making chocolates since 1948. They supply Fortnum & Mason their delicious Fondant Cream chocolates. My personal favourite are the violet creams. Although their website isn’t fancy, their chocolates more than make up for it.
Just about some of the prettiest cakes ever! Plus, the selection of flavours are incredible. Hello, Pandan & Toasted Coconut or Roasted Banana & Salted Caramel, YUM! Although based in East London, they deliver throughout the UK.
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Please note this post contains affiliate links. This does not affect you, the consumer, in the slightest. It simply means the retailer provides a small percentage of the sale to the individual who influenced the sale. As always views remain wholly my own.