Bolton businesses that need your support this Christmas

Most of them have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and would be appreciative of your support and custom at during the festive season.

While you could do your shopping with large online retailers, it’s entirely possible to source everything you need for the big day right here in Bolton.

To celebrate Small Business Saturday (5th December), we have compiled a list of some of the very best Bolton businesses to support this Christmas

From local butchers, to gin companies, here are some independent retailers you should consider purchasing from this festive season:

Christmas meat

While you could get your Christmas turkey from the nearest Aldi or Tesco, there are plenty of local butchers who would appreciate your custom this year.

Not only will you be supporting a local business, you will also be purchasing top-quality meat.

Fraser’s Butchers on Rishton Lane is Bolton's only independent Q Guild butcher and their speciality meat this year is their Copas Free Range Bronze Turkey.

The turkey also comes with boxed with giblets, herbs, recipe leaflet & a handy pop-up timer.

(Facebook/ frasersbutchers)

Prices for this turkey start from £13.99 and they are available in sizes ranging from 4kg-7kg.

Andy Hull, assistant manager at the butchers, told the Bolton News: "Behind every great cook at Christmas there is a great Butcher.

"We have been serving the Bolton community for over 50 years making sure every meal is one to remember especially Christmas." 

The company has changed the way they operate during lockdown, introducing a 'drive thru' service and also deliver to the most vulnerable people in the area.

Fraser Butchers

They added: "We have a great Christmas dinner hamper available this year, which is £130 and contains. Turkey, Ham & Pork, Sausages, Pigs in Blankets, Bacon, homemade pork pie, stuffing, pate, house fat, cranberry sauce and a Christmas pudding.

"This year we have also created a new festive Sausage which is pork with mulled Berries. Also a Turkey Wellington with cranberry sauce, stuffing & brie."

Tree decorations

We have already outlined the best places to get a real Christmas tree near Bolton.

Once the tree is up and the pine scent fills your house, it’s time to get decorating.

Luckily, there are plenty of independent Bolton retailers to support when it comes to Christmas tree decorations.

TRP Designs and Crafts is a Bolton-based business which specialises in decorations.

They create personalised baubles which range from £4.95-£5.95.

Sentiments in Horwich also sell some lovely Christmas decorations.

(Facebook/ @sentimentshallmark)

They stock some unique baubles that would look great on your tree.

They even stock an Iridescent glass bauble which can be personalised to have any name of your choosing on.

The company told the Bolton News they have been selling their products online throughout lockdown- but they are now back in the shop every day (excluding Sunday) until Christmas.

A representative of the company said: “We’re hoping people will come and shop local and stay loyal – it’s devastating to see all the fantastic businesses in Horwich suffering. We’re very grateful for all the support.”

Make sure to order yours online so you get them in time for Christmas.

Christmas Gifts

Have you considered getting your Christmas gifts from a local business this year?

Once you delve into the world of Bolton’s independent retailers, you might be surprised at just how many unique and fantastic gifts there are on the market.

We have already looked at the unique products being sold by local Etsy sellers- but there are plenty of other independent online and high street shops that could use your custom.

Horwich-based Annalise Candles Shop is selling a variety of Christmas Candle hampers and gift boxes which range from £14.50- £35.

Anne Scott, who runs the shop spoke to The Bolton News last month and said:“It’s been really tough – but it’s the same for everyone. November is usually one of the busiest times leading up to Christmas. We’ve just got to make the most of the last few weeks and hope people haven’t already done a lot of their shopping at the bigger stores.

Instead of rushing to Amazon to buy Christmas gifts for the kids, consider shopping with The Last Drop Gallery in Bromley Cross.

(Facebook/@ thelastdropgallerygiftandtoys)

They stock a range of toys, including Peter Rabbit toys and unique toys, such as a musical gift clock.

On the other end of the spectrum, Bolton Gin Company is the place to shop if your loved ones enjoy a tipple.

Some of their best sellers include miniature flavoured gin bottle selection (£21.99) and a full-sized bottle of flavoured gin which can be personalised (£21.99)

Have we missed your favourite off the list? Leave them in the comments.