Preston City Centre's Independents: The Hidden Gems

Lifting the lid on some of the city's incredible independents

As one of the largest shopping destinations in Lancashire, Preston packs in a real punch when it comes to the city's retail offer with plenty of well known brands to be found. However, step aside from the the hustle and bustle of the city's high streets and you'll be treated with a cocktail of independent retailers pocketed down the its numerous quaint side streets. From the characterful Cannon Street, with its ever vibrant, friendly  community of independents, to the charming period-style cobbled streets of Winckley Street, the city boasts a consortium of colourful shops selling unique off the high street finds.

The city is home to an eclectic mix of vibrant independents that are sure to pique your curiosity. Here we uncover a mix of must see's scattered across the city centre:

Action Records

Location  - Church Street

Located down Church Street, home to niche independent stores, you will find Action Records. Established since 1979, it is a haven for music enthusiasts, stocking a huge collection of new and used music.

As members of all major specialist independent chains, they gain access to exclusive limited editions and special offers. Over the years, they've consistently been at the cutting edge of music trends, hosting both in-store and off-site promotional shows featuring artists such as Snow Patrol, Fontaines D.C., Bastille, The Lathums, Blossoms, Ginnel, and more.

For more details visit Action Records.

Storm Cat

Location - Cannon Street

Nestled down Cannon Street, Storm Cat sells a range of eclectic vintage, upcycled and hand made clothing and accessories. Referred to as a mini Affleck's Palace, it's a treasure trove of interesting items waiting to be discovered.

Originally, they began by selling vintage items and have since expanded to include upcycled and hand-made clothing, pin badges and various other retro bits and bobs.

For more information visit Facebook - Storm Cat.

Ocean Clothing

Location - Cannon Street

Wander down Cannon Street and you'll find Ocean Clothing. A hidden gem for designer menswear, offering an extensive range of classic, contemporary and casual fashion. Their friendly, passionate and  knowledgeable staff provide personalized styling advice, helping you find unique pieces from both established and emerging designers.

For more details visit Instagram - Ocean clothing.

Green Pheasant Gifts

Location - Winckley Street

After a unique one of a kind gifts? Then Green Pheasant Gifts is your answer. Priding themselves on quality, they offer a range of beautiful items from homewares and jewellery, through to beauty products, gorgeous gift bundles and greeting cards. They also specialise in Jellycat toys, the perfect gift for any age.

For more information visit Green Pheasant Gifts.

The Secret Garden Flower Shop

Location - Winckley Street

Established in 1987, The Secret Garden Flower Shop, is a stylish boutique style florist with an extensive range of flowers, hand-tied bouquets, plants and gifts. They deliver a top tier flower services for a range of occasions, including beautiful wedding florals. Located next door to Green Pheasant Gifts, why not visit both whilst you're down Winckley Street.

For more information visit Facebook - The Secret Garden Flower Shop.

Halewood and Sons Bookshop

Location - Friargate

Book lovers rejoice, as Halewood and Sons is the perfect place for you. The friendly family run business is over 150 years old and now run by the fifth generation of Halewoods. Specialising in second hand and antiquarian books on all subjects, some of which are several centuries old, as well as newer books, they offer a warm welcome and a haven for literacy enthusiasts.

That Comic Shop

Location - Friargate

That Comic Shop is a cozy, family-run business located down Friargate, who welcome a diverse community of comic book and gaming enthusiasts. With over 20 years of comic selling experience, their shelves are brimming with comics across a range of different genres with a particular focus on American comics, such as DC and Marvel. They also go out of their way to look after customers and have built up a neat community of like minded individuals.

For more details visit The Comic Shop.

The Music Cellar

Location - Fox Street

Based down Fox Street, The Music Cellar is the perfect place to drop in if you're after a particular musical instrument or related service. With over five decades of experience, they have a wealth of knowledge to offer, as well as an extensive range of instruments from guitars, bases and brass to strings, woodwind, pianos, keyboards and drums. They also specialising in maintenance/repairs and sell a range of second hand items with new items being added regularly.

For more details visit The Music Cellar.

Michael Lee Jewellers

Location - Fox Street

Located next door to The Music Cellar, Michael Lee Jewellers offer a quality repairs and alteration service. From fixing chains and resizing rings to replacing stones and rhodium plating, they've got your jewellery needs covered. On top of that, they also sell quality pieces, from 9ct classics to 18ct diamond stunners. All work done in-house, with care and precision.

European Fine Arts and Antiques

Location - Cannon Street

Tucked down Cannon Street in an impressive building, European Fine Arts & Antiques is exactly what it says on the tin. Established for over 40 years, the stunning store has a wide range of Victorian and European art as well as quality English furniture, silver, glass, ceramics and much more.

They have also featured on numerous television shows such as Celebrity Antique Road Show, Antique Road Trip, Antique Expert and House Gift.

For more details visit European Fine Arts and Antiques.

Preston Markets

Location - Earl Street

Preston Markets effortlessly combines long-established and traditional traders with new and contemporary stalls and cafés. The result is a one-stop location for fresh local food, quirky independent shops and inviting places to eat in or grab and go. It's the perfect blend of food and shopping in a friendly, lively, modern setting.

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Map address for independent retailers

Action Records, 46 Church Street, Preston PR1 3DH
Storm Cat, 41 Cannon Street, Preston PR1 3NT
Ocean Clothing, 9 Cannon Street, Preston PR1 3NR
Green Pheasant Gifts, 6 Winckley Street, Preston PR1 2AA
The Secret Garden Flower Shop, 5a Winckley Street, Preston PR1 2AA
Halewood and Sons, 68 Friargate, Preston PR1 2ED
That Comic Shop, 116 Friargate, Preston PR1 2EE
The Music Cellar, 12 Fox Street, Preston PR1 2AB
Michael Lee Jewellers, 14 Fox Street, Preston PR1 2AB
European Fine Arts & Antiques, 10 Cannon Street, Preston PR1 3NR
Preston Markets, Earl Street, Preston, PR1 2JA