Hands up who loves a bargain in the January sales?! Of course, most of us do! But in this age of the super chain retailer and enormous online internet chains, there’s a slow movement to get back to supporting your local, high street shops. Supporting local shops helps to keep the high street alive – which, with the closure of many bank branches, is a big challenge but one that most people deem essential. Without a bustling and interesting high street there will be no community or hub for local people and tourists.

Using local shops also helps local families to earn a living, which in turn they put back into the local economy. Shopping local isn’t always easy in this day and age where convenience and price are two of the biggest factors in any shopping decision, but if you’re looking for something unique, unusual and personal, then the high street is often your best choice.

And here in North Wales we’re so lucky to have some fantastic towns with truly glorious high streets, full of individual and boutique shops. Here’s our list of where to visit to find the best boutique shops in North Wales and Snowdonia…..

• Porthmadog – just a few miles from the Oakeley Arms, we’re lucky to have Porthmadog on our doorstep. With many wonderful, and well known local shops like Glosters, Portmeirion, Cob Records, Genius Gift Shop and the Rob Piercy Gallery shop. Definitely well worth exploring, and there are plenty of lovely cafes and places to eat to rest those weary shopping feet!
• Conwy – up on the north coast, Conwy is a beautiful town packed full of history, as well as some fantastic local shops. Try Hintons, Vinomondo for great wines and there’s even a luxury chocolatiers, yum!
• Abersoch – on the Llyn Peninsula, Abersoch attracts plenty of tourists every year and so has some great boutique and local shops, especially when it comes to clothing for coastal life. Try Abersoch Boatyard, West Coast Surf, Breeze and Kin and Co.
• Caernarfon – another town packed with history, and there are lots of great independent shops popping up alongside the large retailers. Lotti & Wren, Siop Iard, Palas Prints and Blodyn Tatws are just some of the brilliant local shops in this legendary town.

Happy shopping everyone!! Think local, support local, shop local 🙂