Creative Canterbury: small business style
Artists, gamers, musicians unite: we have some shopping to do.
I have been both a tourist and a tour guide in Canterbury.
I grew up in a small village in Medway, so trips to cities like London or Canterbury were always exciting to me. Canterbury is a quieter scene with a vast history, evident with the Tudor houses by the river and the surrounding Roman walls. Many fall in love with the city at first sight. Visiting is like a trip to the past yet there is still a modern edge with the city’s vibrant shopping life. To experience the magic for the first time, I took my two Japanese friends sightseeing in Canterbury. What struck me was their instant pull to the large superstores and big brands on the high street. Little attention was given to what could be further down the street but, if you do decide to venture further, you will not regret it.
Here are three small businesses you should not miss out on.
Beginning with Siesta Crafts, coming here was the pinnacle of my childhood visits to Canterbury. I always remember begging to go here every family trip. Even now, I still feel that sense of peace and intrigue from the shop’s atmosphere. There is a variety of scented incense and candles to entice you in the shop. You feel like you are travelling around the world, with fair trade items from many cultures in the store. With products handcrafted in areas such as Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal, and more. Symbols of belief or decorative purposes coat pebbles, coasters, and earrings. My personal favourites include the variety of crystals, rainbow dream catchers, and mystical jewellery. There are also niche musical instruments and kimonos with beautiful patterning. If you like animals there are plentiful wooden figures. Or even dragons if you prefer the fantasy side of things!
Are you a fan of the recent alternative trends on social media? Or perhaps you always have had a love for rock, metal, and pop-punk genres? Third Eye is definitely the shop for you. A more recent favourite of mine but now whenever I visit I have to take away a souvenir (I have quite the collection). The shop sells a multitude of items such as band merchandise, anime posters, postcards, and pin badges near the front of the store. As you venture towards the back of the shop, there is a variety of cute clothing like fluffy panda socks, cat hoodies, and patterned tights. Many designs are not what you would see in a typical store. The brands they stock create clothing often mystical, adorable, sinister, or an amazing concoction of the three. To complete the look there are various accessories with stars, hearts, or edgy features. There are even beautiful angel wing harnesses. So if you want to make an impression or create a cool cosplay, why not explore the store?
Level Up Games took me a while to find, but it is absolutely perfect for all you gamers out there. With batches of Pokémon cards and a variety of nostalgic consoles, a visit to the shop feels like being a kid again. I definitely got hit with some sweet nostalgia seeing a Game Boy Advanced in the cabinets, my first ever gaming system. There are even rare finds like special edition Animal Crossing themed devices. Stocked with recent releases like Monster Hunter Rise to retro Pokémon Yellow, browsing is like a trip through time. There is even a selection of manga and official guides to fan favourite games. Merchandise such as keychains of Studio Ghibli characters, Pokémon plush pillows, and pin badges fill up the shelves. If you are looking for a little something for a gaming or anime-loving friend, there is so much to choose from here!
These days, small businesses get less attention due to the boom of online shopping. Yet they hold so many treasures.
There is something so special about travelling to a store in person. Memories and feelings that stay with you forever. Take a friend perhaps and have a great day out together. There are many products that could become the perfect present. Matching friendship bracelets from Siesta Crafts, Third Eye’s guitar picks featuring a favourite band, or even a giant Mario statue courtesy of Level Up Games. Or why not treat yourself? There is such a vast variety to choose from these small businesses. These shops are gems on the high street.
So next time you are out in Canterbury do not just go to the big store you always do, explore!
