Shopping Made Fun with Winchester Independents
Winchester shoppers of all ages can go on a hunt for hidden gems as a treasure trail will wind its way around the historic city this summer.
Some of Winchester’s best-loved independent shops, businesses and eateries will feature on a special ‘Indie Trail’ throughout the city centre. Children can collect stamps in a limited edition passport as they follow the route on their own maps. Parents can also enjoy special promotions and offers at participating venues.
The event is being run by the Winchester BID (Business Improvement District). The BID aims to create a thriving, clean and safe shopping environment for residents, visitors and the businesses which operate in the city. It runs a range of initiatives to encourage more people to make the most of what Winchester has to offer, including the independent shops which make up 50% of the city’s retail businesses.
Paul Spencer, Projects and Operations Manager, for Winchester BID said: “Winchester is blessed with a brilliant range of boutique shops, unique restaurants and original bars. It is this distinctive, authentic and refined shopping and dining culture which encourages residents and visitors to come back to Winchester time and time again to enjoy what we have to offer.
“The trail is about celebrating this to bring together shoppers, business owners and visitors of all ages to celebrate the high street and city centre with an inspiring and innovative family experience.
“We hope to see lots of people in Winchester making the most of this opportunity to celebrate and enjoy our independent businesses.”
Participants who complete the indie trail will be rewarded with a specially created badge which celebrates the independent businesses in Winchester. Visitors will also be encouraged to share pictures of themselves getting involved in the fun on social media using the hashtag #IndieWinch.
The family-friendly outdoor fun will run throughout the school summer holidays with a mini-festival taking place on Saturday 4 August to launch the activities. The passports and the indie trail maps will be available to pick up then alongside entertainment including children’s story time sessions.
Participating businesses will be displaying special vinyl stickers and sharing what they are up to on social media using #IndieWinch. Maps and passports for the Indie Trail can be collected from the Tourist Information Centre at Winchester’s Guildhall and participating venues.
Winchester BID is supporting Independent Retailers Month, which is a national initiative which aims to showcase the locally-run shops and businesses who offer something different on the UK high street. Look out for more information coming soon at www.winchesterbid.co.uk.
Photo credit: The Typeface Group