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Christmas shopping this year is looking different for many people. From how we shop to who we buy from, the pandemic has changed the way Britain puts presents under the tree. Read on to find our top tips for markets and indie shops in Leeds who would love your support this Christmas!

Online shopping has seen a massive uplift, and supporting small, local businesses has never been more popular. Platforms such as Etsy, a global marketplace full of 1000’s of creative sellers, and Not On The High Street, home to over 5000 small creative businesses, have become increasingly popular. These platforms allow sellers to reach a wider audience, and with sellers from across the UK, you’ll easily find unique gifts for everyone on your list!

TalkTalk Business research found SMEs are also seeing more online shopping, as well as their customers starting Christmas shopping earlier this year.

“In 2020, internet usage by independent retailers increased by 52% during the festive period. TalkTalk Business expects this to rise even further in 2021 as some consumers adopt an online-first approach for their Christmas shopping.”

It seems many shoppers are avoiding the busy Christmas crowds in the big chains this December. Instead, support for small businesses is on the rise. Shoppers want to support independent retailers that have been hit hard by the pandemic.

SMEs hope for a successful Christmas period

The Christmas period is a prime time for many businesses to make a substantial portion of their annual revenue and to give that last financial push to finish the year. This year, many SMEs are also relying on a successful festive period to get back on their feet after being hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis.

Research by Simply Business revealed that the festive period is vital for small business success, with “almost a fifth saying they won't survive 2022 without a bumper Christmas." Over a third of business owners "make more than 20 per cent of their annual revenue over the festive season."

While Christmas 2021 will be crucial to the survival of many local independents, it will fuel the recovery of others. According to Simply Business data, 60% of SME owners "say a good festive season would be a lifeline for their business."

Many SMEs are optimistic that this Christmas will be their most successful one yet. A joint Barclaycard and YouGov survey of 592 senior SME staff found businesses which anticipate a rise in revenue this year attribute it to "an expected boost in sales as they believe Brits will be having larger celebrations." After many spent Christmas 2020 away from their families, we agree that this will undoubtedly fuel an increased demand for Christmas crackers!

Why support small businesses this Christmas?

• Support emerging creatives’ hard work - Support your local creatives who are just starting out, as well as established small businesses who need your continued support to thrive. Starting a new business can be financially and mentally challenging. Boost new entrepreneurs' confidence by supporting their small business. By supporting small business owners, you are supporting creativity and allowing creatives to pursue their goals and ambitions. Small business owners put lots of hard work, effort, and time into their business. They are dedicated to their business, valuing the handmade products they thoroughly spend so much time on. Also, shopping at your local businesses is a lot less stressful than shopping at large retailers. Avoid the chaos and rush at big stores and instead, have a relaxed and authentic shopping experience at a small business who values you shopping there.

•  UK economy - Supporting SMEs helps boost the UK economy and creates employment opportunities. When looking at employment stats, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) states “SMEs account for three fifths of the employment and around half of turnover in the UK private sector”.  In terms of total employment, the FSB also explains “total employment in SMEs was 16.3 million (61% of the total), whilst turnover was estimated at £2.3 trillion (52%)”. By supporting local businesses, you are keeping money in the community and contributing to small business growth and success.

• Help the environment – With the rise of online shopping and platforms such as Amazon, online shopping can be very convenient. However, when shopping local to support small businesses, it allows you to also improve your carbon footprint. Shopping local reduces plastic and packaging waste and results in decreased CO₂ emissions from delivery drivers or shoppers travelling to out-of-town shopping centres.

• Support the Community - Small businesses build a stronger community. They support other local businesses and encourage entrepreneurs. Small businesses bring individuality to a community, with a variety of SMEs selling anything from handmade jewelry to homemade jam. When shopping at a small business, you get an authentic experience where you experience personal connections. Small business owners have genuine intentions, they want to create personal and meaningful connections with their customers. Small business owners are committed to making their business the best they can, believing in their product. Shopping local also gives you the opportunity to see all the community events that take place such as creative workshops with local artists.

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What you can do to support small businesses this Christmas in Leeds?

There are a range of Christmas market and creative workshops happening this December in Leeds. This is the perfect opportunity to get you in the festive spirit and get your Christmas shopping done. Show your support to local businesses in your community by attending these markets and workshops. Find unique, handmade products this Christmas from the emerging local creatives and artists of Leeds or even get creative in the workshops and make your own gift for a family member or friend!

Christmas market events

• Art Sparkles Christmas Market, Left Bank Leeds – 11^th December, 12^th December, 18^th December, 19^th December

Art Sparkles Christmas Market is taking place at Left Bank Leeds. Left Bank Leeds is a creative community where events, workshops and music take place. This Christmas market is going to have 40+ stalls, with creatives selling their homemade products. The perfect opportunity to find the most unique gifts for your family and friends this Christmas, and to your local talent at the same time. This market is happening multiple times in December so you have a great chance of catching one!

• Christmas night market, Left Bank Leeds - 17^th December

Left Bank Leeds are also hosting a Christmas night market. Shop from local small businesses, grab yourself a pizza and have a mulled wine to get yourself into the festive spirit!

• Open House – Festive Special – Headrow House, Leeds

The popular Headrow House is hosting an open house in support of emerging creatives in Leeds. With a variety of stalls selling things such as jewelry, textiles, homeware, prints and more. If you get there early enough, you will even get a free mulled wine and a festive sweet treat. Make sure you get there early! There is also a festive Macrame Decoration workshop. Show your support to local businesses by attending.

• Art House Art Fayre - Leeds Kirkgate market – Saturday 18^th December

Art and craft market from Leeds and Yorkshire artists and crafters. Support the talented and emerging artists locally!

Supporting your local food scene

• Belgrave Festive Feast – Saturday 11^th December – 11 Am – 6 PM

Another popular venue in Leeds, Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, popular for their music, drinks and food scene is hosting a ‘Belgrave Festive Feast’. This event is hosting a variety of indie street food. This is the perfect chance to get the chance to support the local Leeds Street food scene. There is also going to be an art market with a selection of small businesses. Food traders from small food businesses include:

 -Osaka Local
- Shouk TLV
- Sabroso Street
- Black Day Bakes
- Patty Smith's
- Dough Boys

• The Christmas market at Leeds Corn Exchange

Throughout the whole of December, Leeds Corn Exchange has been transformed into a Christmas market. Here you will be able to enjoy a variety of food and drink from local Leeds food businesses. There are also local musicians and DJs to get you into the festive spirit.

• Chow Down Winter Village – Temple Arches

The event venue in Leeds, Temple Arches, has turned into a winter wonderland this December. In their food village, there is open fire cooking and a rotation of different food traders every week, serving street food from local food traders. With other cosy areas such as the ski lodge Christmas Tipi, Winter Gardens, you can get cosy with heartwarming food, blankets, and mulled wine.

Creative workshops

• Make your own natural beauty product Christmas gift workshop – Left Bank Leeds - 8^th December

Emily from The Secret Garden will be hosting a workshop at Left Bank Leeds where you can make your very own natural beauty product Christmas gift set. All materials provided will be sustainable sourced materials, with all the products being vegan. Not only are you creating a gift, but you are also supporting a small business. A perfect opportunity to get creative with an original, homemade gift for your family and friends.

• Wreath making – The Bowery Visual Arts - Headingley, Leeds - 11^th December, 12^th December, 18^th December

Bowery Visual Arts in Headingley is a visual art center with a coffee shop which are hosting a variety of wreath making workshops this Christmas, including fresh seasonal foliage. This workshop includes fresh seasonal foliage whilst guiding you on making the most perfect wreath this Christmas. Get creative and into the festive spirit whilst making a lovely Christmas decoration for your home.

• Christmas Crafting: Make wooden bunting decorations - Leeds Wood Recycling - 14^th December

Leeds Wood Recycling, a social enterprise that diverts wood from going to landfill, is hosting a workshop on creating a wooden bunting decoration. A perfect opportunity to learn a new skill from woodworking experts and create a unique Christmas gift for a friend or family member!