All Hail Independents

February 17, 2015 by Ra Morgan

On Saturday I walked my sister in law's dog through Leigh Broadway amidst hundreds of weekend shoppers. As he stopped to sniff at every lamppost from The Grand to St Clement's Church, I actually had time to stop and take in my surroundings. I've lived in Leigh all my life so know the Broadway very well - in fact I have worked on or just off the Broadway three times - but what I really love about it is that it is constantly changing. 

Leigh has a very entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up, the only chains were Woolworths, Co-op and Kodak, and most of my time as a teenager was spent in Fives buying tapes, Swanley's newsagent buying magazines and Gran Moda picking out which clothes I wanted when I got some birthday money. Even then, independents ruled. Sadly, Costa Coffee now resides where Swanley's newsagent lived (or 'Ken Brown' if that's how you knew it) but despite the Costa, Subway and Tesco, it's mainly run by local people running their own independent businesses.

So, as the dog faffed about near the curb, I looked around. You can buy records, furniture, clothes, bread, cakes, jewellery, deli food, books, gifts, greetings cards, barista coffee, health foods - all from people doing their own thing. When I needed a posh frock for my 30th birthday I didn't even consider going into town and spending a fortune in a department store or chain, I went straight to one of Leigh's boutiques and bought a lovely dress and jewellery too. I feel good supporting local businesses. That's what helps this vibrant town have such a sense of community. Sure we all have to go to the chains for convenience and I get that, but cutting down the Tesco time is always beneficial. I thought this as I walked the dog all the way to Poco Gelato which was celebrating its relaunch - another example of a local business doing really well.

Businesses come and go, but what I always enjoy is seeing people give businesses a try. We're very open to new things in Leigh. And it's not just the Broadway; Leigh Road is like the alternative little sister to the Broadway. Clothes boutiques, bakeries, cafes, wine shops, pet shops, craft shops - it's a cool little hub that is seeing more and more action. I have also probably drunk a lot more wine in the past year then ever before in my life (thanks Vino Vero!)

When I used to work for Grindley's bookshop (RIP), I felt right in the middle of the local community. People would come in and ask for book recommendations, and we got to know them as people, not just customers who set the tills ringing. It was at a time when independents, though, were starting to suffer. Why would someone spend £18.99 on a new hardback when Amazon or Tesco had it on offer for £9.99? I remember people coming in and browsing, writing a list, and loudly saying to their friends they'd order them on Amazon when they got home. I couldn't believe it! It made me so cross that they were so brazen. Sometimes people would come in and look around and say "Oh, there's no cafe in here, let's go." I wanted to run after them brandishing the latest Sarah Waters and say "Come back and buy something! This book is more fulfilling than a £2 Danish pastry!"

Now, though, like many great things (vinyl, Twin Peaks, Sleater-Kinney) independents are having a comeback. People would rather spend their money at a bakery that makes their own bread locally than buy one for half the price in big bad Tesco. I know I would. New independents have sprung up in Leigh. Skate shops. Lovely coffee shops. Boutique clothing shops. Ice cream shops. It's very cool. I think we should be proud of our town and the entrepreneurial spirit we all possess. Some of you reading this might run your own cafe, or clothes shop, or, say, niche skating store that also sells doughnuts (one of the greatest crossover ideas ever invented. Well done guys). I want to salute you. Every one of you. Every time you see people carrying Costa coffees, or Asda bags for life or Topshop carriers, don't worry. You are doing great. The independent business community on social media in Leigh is effing awesome. It's supportive, collaborative, and inspiring. Huge well done to all of you.

My top 5 Leigh businesses from The Past:

1. Grindley's of course! My first job after university. I'll love it forever.
2. The Rendezvous cafe! They did the best fry ups in town! Situated where The Estuary now is.
3. Four Winds! As a listless teenager I loved nothing more than buying dream catchers here. And incense, and rose quartz.
4. Gum! This place used to make and sell incredible clothes which I would covet and save up and buy.
5. Gilbert's Bakery! Every year we'd get birthday cakes from here. You shall be greatly missed.