Christmas shopping in Yeovil

In my last post on Christmas shopping I looked at Yeovil's offerings for stocking fillers, focusing on the new gadget and gizmo shops in town.

There's nothing wrong with these shops, but for those of us who love to find singular gifts with a little more character, Yeovil does offer some solace in a few quirky traders dotted around the place. So here's my guide to Yeovil's hidden retail gems where original gifts roam aplenty…

My feature business for this foray is the Emporium; a new shopping experience for Yeovil recently opened in Princes Street where uniqueness is positively celebrated.

Run by a co-operative of traders, this curious little outlet deals in everything from antiques to retro toys and clothes, kitchenalia, books, handmade jewellery, bags, accessories, kids clothes, cushions - you name it you'll find it all on the creaking shelves in the Emporium.

Emporium trader Chloe Savage says: "It's the kind of shop Yeovil has been crying out for, it's a real tardis." Quite.

Inside the building and in with the traditional antiques and collectables are mini-shops selling the latest in design-led giftware, furniture and homeware. Treat Me Boutique and Two for Joy will be stocking some gorgeous gifts and decorations this Christmas, featuring ranges by Rob Ryan, Nikki McWilliams, PiP Studio and East of India to name but a few.

Be sure to wander into the pop-up wool and all-things-knitting shop Three Bags Full, and spoil yourself with a visit to Another Little World - the reception area and nail bar are on the bottom floor whilst upstairs you'll find the gorgeous treatment room.

The onsite Cafe is a real treat too, run by two food obsessed young mums Rosie and Stacy. Their hearty soups and curries have been fuelling the Emporium team and customers since opening day, and their flavoursome and creative menu offers a cockle-warming tonic to those winter shopping nights. The emphasis is fully on good quality fresh ingredients, all locally sourced, prepared in-house and sold at more than reasonable prices.

The thing about the Emporium is that it's an experience - and you have to go there to truly know what it's about..

A few other places spring to mind in the hunt for something different - there's our old favourite Gone potty, where the shelves and cabinets are laden with jewellery, craft items, artwork and so much more. Check out the 'lucky dip' bucket near the counter if you're in a rush; you can grab a pre-wrapped stocking filler for as little as £2 and the best thing is it's a surprise to see what you've bought come Christmas morn, for gift-er and gift-ee!

Another new business worth a peek is the Yeovil Auction Rooms. They hold viewing days and sales throughout the year so have a look on the website and clear a space in your diary. Typically, they deal in militaria, furniture, collectables and artwork, though I even spotted a box of mudlarking finds up for sale recently!

That's it from me, please use the comment box to share with us any hidden shopping gems in or around Yeovil, and don't forget to review local businesses to help us all with our Crimbo shopping.

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