Sheffield Street listed second in the Top 10 Hotspots for indie shops
Sheffield's Division/Devonshire Street in the city centre has been named the second best in the nation’s Top 10 Hotspots for Independent Shops.
American Express Shop Small partnered with retail experts GlobalData to conduct the research, which revealed the Top 10 locations that really showcase small businesses and the valuable role they play in local communities.
GlobalData’s methodology for establishing the top 10 locations was based on in-depth research and analysis with criteria including: proportion of independent shops and restaurants, diversity of business proposition, vibrancy and occupancy rate.
It also took into consideration the number of Gen Z and Millennial independent business owners (those aged between 18 - 43) in each location, factoring in how these younger generations are investing in the future success of UK high streets. Across the Top 10 hotspots, on average over a third (36%) of all business owners are in these age cohorts.
Britain’s Top Hotspots for Independent Shops:
- St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire
- Devonshire Street / Division Street, Sheffield, Yorkshire
- Gloucester Road, Bristol
- Market Street / Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire
- Stoke Newington Church Street, Hackney, London
- High Street, Narberth, Pembrokeshire
- Oldham Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester
- Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire
- Byres Road, Glasgow
- The Lanes, Norwich, Norfolk
Beyond their contribution to local communities, the GlobalData research also revealed how living near a vibrant independent high street can benefit home valuations.
GlobalData polled UK homebuyers asking about a range of factors they would consider paying extra for; the analysis showed that proximity to a high street full of vibrant independent businesses could potentially command an additional £12,000 on average.
Vibrant Division/Devonshire Street
Located in the Devonshire Quarter of Sheffield City Centre, Division Street and Devonshire Street have been a vibrant hub for independent businesses for over 30 years.
Long before Kelham Island became cool, Division Street was of the city's original independent strongholds. The growth of the district can largely be attributed to the increase of Sheffield's student population in the 90s and has since developed into a vibrant destination full of quirky shops, cafes, pubs and bars, which now attracts visitors, both day and night.
Division Street starts at the top end of Barker's Pool in the city centre, a large open plaza gated by two grade II listed buildings, with the prestigious Sheffield City Hall standing on one side and the soon to be developed, former John Lewis building on the other.
Once you step beyond a few familiar high street chains, you'll soon encounter the start of the strip's indie food and drink offering, with 200 Degrees and viral sensation La Croissanteria at the foot end, before encountering Steam Yard and Copper Pot Cafe further along.
Walk a little further and you'll be greeted by sushi spots, an ice cream parlour, nail and hair salons, American franchises like Taco Bell and Insomnia Cookies.
Intermingled between but standing out in their own right, you'll also find some the city's best-loved indie shops such as Moonko, Plantology, Slugger Skate Store, Collard Manson, Bear Tree Records (in The Forum Arcade) and recent addition, the Cowboy Boot Store, intermingled between.
The area also has a strong offering for sustainable shopping with well-respected vintage stores including Glass Onion, Vulgar and Pre Loved Kilo along the main stretch, Savage Sistser in The Forum Arcade, along with Good Good Vintage on nearbyCarver Street.
As Division Street blends into Devonshire Street, you'll find a large cohort of bars creating one of Sheffield's most popular nighttime drinking spots, with traditional pubs The Foresters and The Frog and Parrot nestled alongside bars such as Forum Sheffield, Bungalows and Bears, Brew Dog, The Common Room, Vocation & Co. and The Green Room.
Indie shops to explore
Glass Onion
Glass Onion sell vintage clothes that have been sourced from textile recycling plants across Europe and the USA.
Moonko
An award winning shop selling ethical products in a beautiful environment. It's owned and run by Debbie, who has taken the shop on a journey from online only to the much loved presence on Division St it now is, selling all sorts of lovely items from everlasting flowers to memorable gifts.
Plantology
Plantology is a like-minded team of florists selling plants and flowers in Sheffield, inspired by the beauty of nature and the limitless creations that can be made using them. Alongside plants and dried flowers, Plantology also sell an array of pots and gifts and homeware.
The Alternative Store
Fiercely independent since 92, The Alternative Store has supplied the subcultures of Sheffield with streetwear since for thirty years.
CollardManson
CollardManson like to think for themselves. They reference trends but don't necessarily follow them. They only stock what they believe in. If they don't believe in it they don't buy it.
Vulgar
VULGAR is an Independent Vintage Store based in Sheffield.
Bear Tree Records
Bear Tree Records is a shop in Sheffield specialising in new vinyl records. The shop opened in 2015. They stock the finest new releases and reissues as well as a small amount of quality second hand records.
Preloved Kilo Sheffield
Affordable and sustainable fashion. Vintage clothes by the kilo.
Places to eat and drink
Steam Yard
Located along one of Sheffield’s liveliest indie districts, Steam Yard has a cool atmosphere and great outdoor seating area.
La Croissanteria (Division Street)
The home of the fish finger croissant. La Croissanteria offers a wife rage of home baked selections of filled croissants, both sweet and savory, as well as artisan coffee, freshly roasted in store.
Copper Pot Café
A cosy café on Division Street that offers great coffee, fresh food, breakfast, brunch and lunch and some amazing pastries.
The Foresters
The Foresters lies at the heart of Division Street, where history and nightlife converge. Most recently known as Gatsby, this establishment has seen the ebb and flow of Sheffield's social scene since 1828.
The Frog & Parrot
A quirky little pub sat in the cosmopolitan Devonshire Quarter. The venue has music stamped all over it and key events feature live bands and guest DJs.
Forum Sheffield
Forum has been one of Sheffield's iconic venues since 1992! Situated right in the heart of the city centre next to Devonshire Green, this iconic bar and kitchen it is the perfect spot for socialising, seven days a week.
BB's Italian Restaurant
Established in 1999, BB's are a family-run restaurant that provides an authentic dining experience for true lovers of Italian cuisine.
The Common Room
Located on popular Division Street, The Common Room has been one of Sheffield's favourite sports bars for many years. With 11 full size American pool tables, ping pong, beer pong, PlayStation, and over 50 giant TV screens showing the latest sporting events, it's a great place for groups.
Bungalows & Bears
One of Sheffield's unique strangely-named places, Bungalows and Bears has been a staple for good food, good drink and good music for over a decade.
Vocation & Co. Sheffield
Vocation & Co. Sheffield is so called because they’re all about working with others. They are an extension of their brewery and are warm, social spaces for our local communities.
BrewDog
With 32 taps this is a hop lover's paradise. They also have an amazing bottle shop full of incredible beers for you to sit in and enjoy or take away with you!
Pieminister
Located in the heart of the city on Division Street, Pieminister is the place to go for award-winning pies in Sheffield. The pies are made with ethically sourced ingredients such as free-range British meat and artisan cheeses. There’s also plenty of pie choice for vegetarians and vegans - and for those on a gluten-free diet there’s a dedicated GF menu starring three delicious gluten-free pies. There’s a fun menu for kids too, so there's something for the whole family.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana
Bringing a chilled ambience and hugely tasty Neapolitan dough-based treats to Sheffield, neighbourhood pizzeria Rudy’s has been a popular addition to the Division Street run of cracking places to eat and sup.
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