Independent shops in Dorset are doing 'exceptionally well'

From 2019 to 2023, around 325 independent shops opened in the county, which has ‘delighted’ business leaders.

Steve Bulley President of Dorchester Chamber for Business said: “Business confidence among our members has been showing signs of improvement recently. According to our latest, business barometer confidence has risen for the third consecutive month, this matches the national trend which has reached its highest level since early 2021.

“Dorchester remains a great place to start a business, and our new members demonstrate the diverse nature of companies opening.

“Many small businesses still face concerns about customer demand in the last quarter of the year with retailers in desperate need for good festive sales.  Despite this, the general sentiment is optimistic, with businesses expecting significant improvements in the coming months.”

Sophie Mitchell, owner of family-run jewellers Kooky Bloom, opened her first store in Antelope Walk, Dorchester back in 2022.

Kooky Bloom, Weymouth. Inset. Sophie Mitchell (Image: Kooky Bloom)

She said: “We love our little store in Dorchester so much that when we heard in Weymouth, we leapt at the opportunity.

“It was a big risk starting out after the pandemic, but we are still going strong since we opened the store in Weymouth, especially with the holiday makers.

“We try and make the shop a little bit different and inviting – I don’t think that there is anyone quite like us – People visit from all over the country. I do think that people go out to support small businesses.”

By opening the Dorchester store, two new jobs were created, whilst her husband Matt works in the Weymouth store.

Paul Appleby, President of Weymouth and Portland's Chamber of Commerce described Weymouth and Portland as ‘a fantastic place to do business.’

He said: “The chamber is delighted to hear that there are so many new businesses opening in and around Weymouth and Portland. It’s a fantastic area to live, work, and to do business in season and out of season.”

Mr Appleby also noted that there is also plenty of support available for business owners from the BID, the chamber and also local business leaders.

There is a vast array of unique businesses that have opened across Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and beyond.

Michael Quinn opened his self-titled ‘Michael Quinn’s Traditional Family Butchers in the Hardye Arcade, Dorchester last November.

Owner Michael Quinn outside his butchers in Dorchester (Image: Quinn's Butchers)

Mr Quinn said: “It has been a good year. We have had lots of people who have supported the business – It has not stopped growing.

“With opening any new business, there are always concerns, but I was quite lucky in this area.

“We have got our regular customers, and we have even started supplying other local businesses from caterers to Dorchester Football Club.”

Another business which is reportedly thriving is Artisan Island on St Mary Street, Weymouth.

Owner, Ian Lambert has even signed a 10-year lease to expand the business and take over part of the former Boots store on St Thomas Street.

Ian Lambert and a customer outside Artisan Island (Image: Ian Lambert)

Mr Lambert said: “On the first day that we opened in February there was not a single thing on the shelves. By 12pm the first seller brought in some items and by the end of the day we had sold something.

“Obviously it has not worked for everybody and we have lost some sellers, but others are doing exceptionally well.”