July welcomes Independent Retailer Month, and there’s certainly no denying that Digbeth is the hub of independent businesses!
Now more than ever, independent retailers deserve a lot of love, and with Digbeth being home to so many of these, you definitely need to visit these unique locations on your next shopping trip!
Red Brick Market
Why have one independent when you can have over 50 under one roof? Red Brick Market can be found on Floodgate Street, full of independent creatives offering everything from sustainable fashion and homeware to antiquities, rare finds and original pieces.
We love how this offers a more unique shopping experience compared to what you can find on a typical high street, and perfectly encapsulates what Birmingham’s Creative Quarter is all about!
Ridding & Wynn
The award-winning Ridding & Wynn are a must-visit if you love all things eclectic! Their Gibb Street showroom is filled with antiques and decor all curated by owners Lily and Jason – once they see a piece they like, they buy it!
Winning their third consecutive ‘Best in Show at the Henley Decor Fair’ award reaffirms their incredible eye for interior design that you can bring to your home! Read our full piece about what they do here.
COW Vintage
The UK’s number one independent vintage store is right here on our doorstep! COW Vintage offers a sustainable alternative to fast fashion with handpicked, unique finds from the 60s to 00s. We also love their reworked range, meaning it’s rare to see the same piece twice!
Find COW in their unmissable spot on the Digbeth High Street, and for a glimpse of what you can expect from them, visit their website here.
The Outdoor
Just about the coolest off license you will ever visit! Whether you’re popping in during the work day or on a night-out, you’ll find all the essentials including snacks (including American treats), tobacco and vapes, and local craft beers from the likes of Digbrew, Attic Brew and Cider House Special.
Find them in The Custard Factory on Gibb Street. And if you want to check out the latest additions to their stock, head over to their Instagram page.
The Framers
Framed as one of Digbeth’s most well-known and long-lasting independent retailers, The Framers have been in Digbeth since the 90s, catering to your bespoke picture framing needs! Their services cover individual clients, galleries and corporations.
Their on-site workshop facilities are here for framing requests including memorabilia, football shirts, cricket bats, unusual objects, photography, fine art and so much more. They also have a canvas stretching service, art delivery and installation by appointment.
Bene Culture
If you’re into streetwear, you’re in luck! Bene Culture is a Birmingham-based label, regularly dropping new collections incorporating technically-focused design and vibrant graphics.
Find their storefront on Gibb Street, where they also host events with live music, DJs and food pop-ups!
This is just a few of the diverse range of independent retailers that make Digbeth as special as it is, but make sure to also check out these businesses:
Doctor Oculus
Ideal Skateboard Supply
The Zen Shop
Vesta Living
Jinxy Art
Stay tuned to find out more about them in part 2 of our Independent Retailer Month spotlight, and don’t miss out on our upcoming content on the In Digbeth social media this month!