It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to fine tuning our festive shopping lists and with Small Business Saturday tomorrow, 2nd December, we’ve pulled together a shopping guide highlighting some of the best picks available from our fantastic independent retailers.
From galleries, boutiques and beauty salons to vintage style, homeware and garden accessories, Ross-on-Wye has it all! Why not make a leisurely day of it and eat out at one of our lovely pubs, cafés and restaurants in the town centre or by the riverside?
Our Independent Retailers’ Guide has a great selection of local businesses so have a browse or check out our separate Christmas 2023 Shopping Guide for some festive inspiration.
Boutiques
There are lots of beautiful little boutiques with plenty on offer to suit all tastes. Located in the middle of town, you’ll find exclusive brands at Suzy’C and at broad street, including some really pretty winter jumpers, scarves and glamorous clutch bags, perfect for the party season. At the top of town, Crows Feet and Boutique at No 2 have some beautiful gifts including ladieswear, jewellery, candles, cards featuring local artists and quality stationery (both boutiques are conveniently located either side of the bus terminal). And with every glamorous party outfit, there’s nothing like a stunning necklace or pair of earrings to set your look off – The Crystal Tree and Lalena Jewellery have lots of sparkly accessories that you’ll love (as well as plenty of other treats and gifts on offer) – find them at 28 and 30 High Street respectively.
- at broad street: 14 Broad Street HR9 7TH
- Suzy’C: 50b Broad Street HR9 7DY
- Crows Feet: 1 Cantilupe Road HR9 7AN
- Boutique at No 2: 2 Cantilupe Road HR9 7AN
Children’s toys & clothing
The little ones will be spoilt for choice and Santa really won’t know where to start! From gorgeous organic cotton clothes at Little Chic and Little Saplings, to toys and games at Toy Box and Andy Pack on Broad Street, there’s something for all ages. And if you’re after some vintage chic, there are some wonderful antique bears and rocking horses at The Architectural Store (as well as their usual range of lighting, retro gifts and upcycled furniture).
- Toy Box: 15 Broad Street HR9 7EA
- Andy Pack Car Care: 17 Broad Street HR9 7DY
- Little Chic Children’s Boutique: 30a Brookend Street HR9 7EE
- Little Saplings: Linden House, New Street HR9 7DA
- The Architectural Store: 35 Brookend Street HR9 7EE
Christmas decorations & homeware
Decorating our homes and gardens is one of the most enjoyable parts of the festive season – twinkling lights and garlands, berries and pine cones bring our homes to life. Traditional Christmas candle scents of cinnamon, vanilla, orange and clove, bring with them their delicious warmth. Heavenly Homes & Gardens, Lizzie Bunting and Dor’s Garden are packed to the brim with vintage decorations, amazing home scents and fabulous wreaths to add some festive chic to your homes. Livinloom also has some beautiful hand made felt decorations, as well as hand crafted ceramic Christmas candles, the perfect gift or treat for yourself. Find them on the High Street, Broad Street and Gloucester Road (details in our shopping guide).
Arts & crafts
Finally, if you’re looking for unique, hand crafted gifts, art or one-off ceramics – Ross-on-Wye is your go-to destination. A mecca for all things arts and crafts you will truly be spoilt for choice. Right in the middle of town, upstairs at the Market House, local crafters have come together to create Made in Ross, a must-see gallery for anyone visiting town. Also on the High Street, local potter, Adam and his wife Gill, run arts and pottery classes, with taster sessions or full workshops for anyone who fancies themselves as the next Johnny Vegas! There are also regular workshops at the Art Studio Ross and KTS Craft Warehouse, where you can really let your creativity take over. Elsewhere around town, pop in and have a chat with local artists, Tara and Julie, at Urchin’s Gallery or with owner, Sue, at Gallery 54, who has a fantastic range of abstract contemporary art in her 17th townhouse at the end of the High Street. Sarah D’Arcy opens the doors to her studio every Thursday and Friday from 10am until 3pm – browse her gorgeous wildlife creations, from rabbits to rodents, geese to guinea fowl, each piece is unique and can be displayed both indoors or outdoors.
- Art Studio Ross: 38 High Street HR9 5HD
- Gallery 54: 54 High Street HR9 5HL
- KTS Craft Warehouse: Unit 2, Trenchard Street HR9 7DE
- Made in Ross: Market House HR9 5NX
- Sarah D’Arcy: 1b Church Street HR9 5HN
- Urchin’s Gallery: Croft Court HR9 7AB
- Yat Pottery & Art School: 31 High Street HR9 5HD
