Inspiring Independents

Dennis Brown, owner of men’s and women’s wear independent D-Solo’s in Crystal Palace, has been a pillar of the community for a quarter of a century. Drapers takes a trip south of the Thames to find out more.

Norfolk-based independent Jarrolds has bucked the trend of disappearing department stores. CEO Nick Steven-Jones tells Drapers how experiential retail and focusing on the local area has helped the business carve a niche.

Drapers Menswear Independent of the Year 2024, Lancashire-based Hope, has introduced hit brands such as Lacoste, Henri-Lloyd and UBR to the UK in its 65 years of trade. Drapers finds out what is next for the men's and women's wear mini-chain.

As "the nicest shop in Winchester" celebrates its 25th anniversary, The Hambledon founder Victoria Suffield has ambitions to go global with its "beautiful" clothing and lifestyle offering.

Stil Lifestyle has been East Sussex's go-to destination for unique womenswear brands for more than a decade. Founder Sulaika Weihs tells Drapers how the business has made it work over the years – and why it is thriving, despite Brexit-related challenges.

The Spoiled Hairdressing salon has been a fixture in St Andrews for more than 10 years, so owners Steve Davies and Glenn Malloy used their inside knowledge of the Scottish town’s consumers when they devised the appealing concept for Spoiled Life.

Lisa Mitchell put the world of finance behind her 20 years ago and opened her womenswear shop, Escape Boutique, in the thriving independents’ enclave of Whitley Bay.

Maison SL was named Womenswear Independent of the Year (<£1m turnover) at the Drapers Independents Awards 2023. Owner Susana Lorena tells us how she wins customer loyalty over her 16 years in the lingerie industry.

With an extraordinary 300 years of tradition to draw upon, Edinburgh bespoke tailor and outfitter Stewart Christie stands proudly above fashion’s vagaries. Co-owners Vixy Rae and Daniel Fearn are clear that cherishing the past is the key to future success.

Womenswear and lifestyle store Aura picked up the Best New Store award at the Drapers Independents Awards in 2021. Drapers hears how owner Abi Dee has continued to build its reputation in the affluent market town of Beverley in East Yorkshire.