Sussex is full of independent businesses: farm shops and delis, bakers and butchers, bookshops, galleries, makers, vineyards, cafés and the family-run shops that give each high street its character. Choosing them, even some of the time, makes a real difference. Here’s why it matters, and how to find the good ones near you.
Why it matters
More of your money stays nearby
When you buy from a local independent, the money tends to keep working close to home. Small businesses often use other local firms — the accountant down the road, a local printer, a nearby farm or brewery — and the people they employ live and spend locally too. That doesn’t mean every independent shop is cheaper, or that big chains don’t employ local people, but local businesses are much more likely to keep money circulating in the area.
It keeps high streets and villages alive
Busy shops bring people into town centres and villages, and those people use the café, the post office and the pub while they are there. Every independent that keeps trading helps the businesses around it. Once a high street starts to empty, it is very hard to bring back.
You get knowledge and service
The person behind the counter of an independent is often the owner, or someone who has worked there for years. They can tell you where the cheese comes from, order a book in for you, alter a dress, sharpen your knives or suggest a better-value option. That kind of knowledge is hard to find anywhere else.
Fresher, seasonal food
Buying from local farm shops, butchers, fishmongers, bakers and markets puts you closer to the people who grow and make your food. Produce often travels a shorter distance, it tends to follow the seasons, and you can ask exactly how it was produced.
Character and choice
Independent businesses are a big part of what makes Lewes different from Littlehampton, or Rye from Horsham. They stock things you won’t find elsewhere, take chances on new makers, and reflect the place they’re in.
How to find local independents
Search by town and category
Go Sussex lists local businesses by category and town, so you can browse shops and local produce or food and drink near you and contact the business directly. Each listing is created by the business itself, with photos, opening hours and how to get in touch.
Visit markets
Many Sussex towns hold regular markets, including farmers’ markets, craft and makers’ markets and seasonal events in the run-up to Christmas. Dates and locations change, so check your town or parish council’s website, or the market’s own social media pages, for what’s on near you.
Try farm shops and pick-your-own
Farm shops sell produce from their own land and often from other local growers and makers too. In summer and autumn, pick-your-own farms are a fun day out with children. Seasons depend on the weather, so check the farm’s website or call before you go.
Look beyond shops
Shopping local isn’t only about shops. Think about:
- local tradespeople for jobs around the home
- independent cafés, restaurants and pubs
- local vineyards and breweries — Sussex is well known for its wine
- repair shops and volunteer-run repair cafés, which can give broken things a second life
- local hairdressers, gyms, garages, vets and other services you use regularly
Ask the people you already know
Independent business owners usually know each other. If you love your local deli, ask who they’d recommend for flowers, a cake or a plumber. Recommendations from people you trust are still one of the best ways to find a good business.
Small ways to help
You don’t have to do all your shopping locally to make a difference. A few small habits help a lot:
- Choose one or two regular purchases — bread, coffee, a weekly veg box, books — and buy them from an independent.
- Buy gift vouchers from local businesses for birthdays and Christmas.
- Order through the business directly rather than through apps or marketplaces that charge them commission, when that’s an option.
- Follow and share their social media posts, and tell friends about the places you like.
- Leave an honest review after a good experience. Reviews help small businesses be found, and genuine, specific comments are the most useful to other people.
- Look out for Small Business Saturday each December, when many independents run special events and offers.
Running a local business?
If you own an independent business in Sussex, you can list it on Go Sussex for free. Add your details and photos, appear on your category and town pages, and get enquiries directly — we never take a commission.
