Northamptonshire is full of independent stores, small businesses and family run shops. We're talking bakeries, gift stores, vintage stores, clothes shops, cafes, play areas, homeware stores and more.
Help save the high street, ditch the amazon basket for your next occasion and support a small business in Northampton. We've put together a list of some of our top picks.
If you are looking for unique stores in Northampton that offer something genuinely special, you don’t have to look very far. In fact, your ultimate shopping trail starts with a local institution that has been sweetening the county for generations.
In the heart of Northampton since 1910: Gardners Bakery
When it comes to small businesses in Northamptonshire that screams tradition, Gardners Bakery stands in a league of its own. For decades, we’ve been more than just a shop on the front; we’ve been the backdrop to your family celebrations, your top choice for wedding cakes and the go-to destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.
In a world full of mass-produced, factory-line supermarkets, Gardners Bakery remains true to their roots and 116 year old family recipes, but keeping with the times and bringing new bakes. If you love supporting independent businesses that put love into everything they do, making a stop at Gardners is an absolute must.
Not just celebration cakes
Most people in Northamptonshire know Gardners for our show-stopping celebration cakes (especially our signature pink and white angel cake!). But if you haven’t popped into our Kingsthorpe shop lately, you might not know that we are a complete paradise for cake lovers, home bakers, and gift shoppers alike.
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The Ultimate Treat Counter: Perfect for a weekend treat. We serve up freshly baked brownies, flapjacks, Viennese whirls, and our famous novelty shortbread cookies. We even make fresh sausage rolls and filled rolls for a quick lunch!
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Your Go-To Cake Decoration Shop: Baking a cake at home? Skip the supermarket aisles. We are Northampton’s number one spot for cake supplies. We stock professional cake boards, boxes, ribbons, cupcake cases, equipment, candles, and sugar flowers.
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Ready-to-Go Toppers & Figurines: Want to jazz up a simple bake? Browse our massive in-store collection of ready-made wording toppers (from 18th birthdays to baby showers), fun figurines, and edible decorations.
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Unique Edible Gifts: Need a quick, unique gift for a teacher, friend, or loved one? We've got token gifts, edible gifts, gift bags, greetings cards, banners & partyware and more.
Whether you need a massive four-tiered wedding centerpiece, a single cake board for your own kitchen creation, or just a brownie to go with your afternoon cup of tea, we’ve got you covered.
Pop in store - Gardners Bakery, 85 Harborough Road, Kingsthorpe, Northampton, NN2 7SL
Beyond the Bakery | Our Top Picks
While we would love to keep you in our shop snacking on brownies all day, Northampton’s independent scene is far too good to miss. We are proud to be part of a passionate network of local businesses that give our county its true character. If you want to keep your shopping trip local, unique, and entirely independent, here are the top small spots in Northamptonshire you must check out next.
Riverside Hub | Riverside
Every kid's dream day out - A huge range of sensory and play including climbing frames, slides, go-karts, climbing, laser tag, mini golf and more. Riverside Hub has been thoughtfully designed so that almost every activity is accessible to children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Vintage Guru | St Giles Street
All things retro: This unique emporium houses items from dozens of local traders, meaning every time you walk in, you’ll find an updated selection of vintage clothing, quirky homeware, upcycled furniture, and nostalgic gifts.
It's a Gift | Kingsthorpe Front
A few doors down from us at Gardners, if you're on the hunt for gifts, balloons, sweets & crisps, cards, gift bags (or literally, anything), It's a gift will have what you need.
Vintage Retreat | Lower Harding Street
Homeware, antiques, jewellery, snacks, collectables and clothing; browse through a strong collection of 1930’s-1990’s fashion trends with a variety of budgets. There is also an on-site tea rooms.
Fashion Bake | Dumpling Makers
Jessica makes delicious dumplings and bao, and offers UK postal deliveries as well as Northamptonshire pop-ups in her food truck. These are my all-time favourite dumplings.
Flowers by Natasha | Northampton Delivery
If you're looking to send an arrangement that feels genuinely thoughtful and beautifully styled, choosing Flowers by Natasha means supporting a local maker who pours real heart into every stem.
As well as fresh floral local deliveries across the Northampton/Pitsford area, Natasha also offers workshops at her store at Heart of the Shires, as well as stocking a wide range of homeware, gifts and faux flowers.
Pay them a visit and they'll help you build a gift your recipient will rave about.
Heart of the Shires | Shopping Village Daventry
Speaking of Heart of the shires, they have a wide range of small businesses to visit including not only Flowers by Natasha, but homeware stores, furniture, dog grooming, kitchenware, gift shops, sweet shop and more. They also have a garden centre, outdoor furniture store and a coffee shop.
Abraxas Cookshop | Northampton Town Centre
If you love baking or cooking, you'll love a visit to Abraxas. Located on St Giles Street in Northampton, or at Heart of the shires shopping village, these have everything kitchen related - mixers, bowls, le creuset, storage, utensils and more.
Miller and Chalk | Towcester High Street
Located on Towcester High Street, this store is an independent homeware and interiors shop offering handmade soft furnishings, antiques and carefully curated pieces for the home. (Because you can never have too many cushions!).
Mooch | Rushden Lakes
Unique hand-picked gifts, cards, home accessories and more. If you're on the hunt for gifts for family and friends, or just out and about having a mooch, pay this small business a visit.
Renee's | Northampton Town Centre
Clothes that last, not only because of their quality, because of their timeless designs. Pop in to Renee's if you're on the hunt for a special occasion, the girls will help you pick out the perfect outfit.
