New research has revealed Scotland's top high street for independent shopping (Image: Euan Cherry/PA Media Assignments)

Scotland's 'best high street for independent shops' crowned ahead of Christmas

by · Daily Record

Scotland's top high street for independent shops has been named ahead of Christmas.

With the festive season rapidly approaching, Scots up and down the country will be starting to think about their Christmas shopping. While buying your gifts online is convenient, nothing can beat heading down to the shops and getting them from independent retailers.

New research by American Express and retail experts GlobalData has revealed the top 10 high streets in the UK for independent shopping. The only Scottish destination to be included on the list is Byres Road in Glasgow.

The bustling street is home to a wide range of independent retailers, such as vintage and retro clothing shop Starry, Starry Night, jewellery and furniture specialists The Nancy Smillie Shop, and gift shop Janet and John. Other favourites include wine shop Vino Valentino and boutique Finnieston Clothing.

In terms of food, some of the options include the family-run Rodgers Butchers and popular cheese specialists George Mewes Cheese. Other standouts include Santa Lucia Deli and La Pastina Deli.

Byres Road also features a variety of cafés and restaurants. Among the highlights are Pastéis Lisboa, which is a Portuguese-style bakery that serves up freshly baked Pastel De Nata tarts, and the traditional Scottish Old Salty's restaurant.

George Mewes from George Mewes Cheese, which is one of many small businesses on Byres Road (Image: Euan Cherry/PA Media Assignments)

Meanwhile, coming in at number one as the top high street in the UK for independent shops is St Mary’s Street in Stamford. The Lincolnshire street is home to retailers such as chinaware store Sinclairs, bubble tea specialists Jinju Cha, and luxury boutique Tom Lane.

The study also found that being near a vibrant independent high street can increase the value of your home. GlobalData asked homebuyers anything would consider paying extra for, with close proximity to a bustling high street potentially commanding an extra £12,000 on average.

Christmas in Scotland

General Manager of Merchant Services at American Express Dan Edelman commented: "Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting local economies up and down the country, and it’s pleasing to now see their impact beyond the high street.

"Through our Shop Small campaign and support of Small Business Saturday we’re proud to be championing and shining a spotlight on the diverse and vibrant independent businesses who help our local communities thrive."

Research Director at GlobalData Matt Piner added: "Independent shops bring something different to high streets, offering uniqueness and propositions that are finely tuned to the needs of their local communities. As younger generations of shoppers are attracted to their local high streets, so too are shop owners, with a new breed of Gen Z and Millennial entrepreneurs helping to keep them thriving."

Britain's top high streets for independent shops

  1. St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire
  2. Devonshire Street / Division Street, Sheffield, Yorkshire
  3. Gloucester Road, Bristol
  4. Market Street / Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire
  5. Stoke Newington Church Street, Hackney, London
  6. High Street, Narberth, Pembrokeshire
  7. Oldham Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester
  8. Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire
  9. Byres Road, Glasgow
  10. The Lanes, Norwich, Norfolk

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