Three Ways to celebrate local businesses

1. Go straight to the source

Perhaps the easiest way to support independent retail is to get yourself to one of the Tees Valley’s many hotspots of independent businesses.

Baker and Bedford Street Shopping

Located between Linthorpe Road and Albert Road, Middlesbrough’s independent quarter is a lively and chic place to be. Baker and Bedford street both boast an assortment of shops where you can find everything from vintage clothing to custom made gifts.

Yarm High Street

Yarm High Street was the winner of the 2020 Rising Star award at the Great British High Street Awards and for good reason. You can stroll down the cobbled streets and explore the huge range of clothing shops. Beautiful boutiques such as KIWI Boutique to designer labels at Attitudes.

But it’s not all clothing shops either, Yarm High street also has gift shops, a pop-up shop that changes every day and an antique shop. Supporting local business is as easy as it is fun when you’re on Yarm High Street.

Farmers Markets

Head to one of the Tees Valley’s Farmers’ markets and you will be greeted by local people selling local produce.

With ever changing stalls you never know what you’re going to find at one of these events.

Check out the Northern Dales Farmers’ Markets Facebook page for details of upcoming markets at Wynyard Hall Gardens, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool and Stewart Park in Middlesbrough.

Keep your eyes peeled on our What’s On page too.

2. Support local retail from the comfort of your own home

Online shopping is easy and convenient and in recent times it may be something you have gotten used too. But did you know that a lot of local retailers also have online outlets that you can browse while sitting on your sofa in your comfies?

In just a few clicks you can support local businesses such as The North Project which specialises in artwork and gift cards. All adorned with hand drawn scenery from around the North East. Or check out BJs Jewellery, a Middlesbrough based seller specialising in handmade jewellery, plus many more.

3. Show local some love

Supporting local businesses isn’t always about buying. There is a variety of ways you can show them some love without spending a penny. Social media is a good place to start. You can like, follow and share your favourite local retailer’s posts to stay up to date with what they are up to and spread the word to your friends.

Write them a review on social media or on Google so others know how fab they are! Subscribe to their newsletter or simply share your local biz recommendation with a friend.
You can also let us know about them using #EnjoyTeesValley on social media and we’ll give them a shout out.

So, there it is! A whole bunch of ways to support and celebrate local businesses in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees. For more information on shopping in the Tees Valley go here.