Norwich's Best Independent Shops
If you're on the hunt for a straightforward, curated guide to the best independent shops in Norwich, your search ends here – you're exactly where you need to be. Delve directly into the city's retail heart as we highlight the crème de la crème of shopping destinations. From unique artisanal creations to iconic Norfolk treasures, we've meticulously selected Norwich's premier boutiques and stores just for you.
Atwin
From the Norfolk dialect for ‘between’, Atwin stocks independent and sustainable womenswear, accessories and lifestyle goods. Born out of a desire to help rejuvenate the high street and bring a more community-focused and personal approach to shopping, the store has a focus on Norfolk makers, including By Noo, Eleanor Torbati, Norfolk Natural Living, Slow Made Goods, Verity Burton, Collectiviste and Sop.
Founded by lifelong friends and designers Sarah and Bonnie, who run their own businesses (Harwood and Studio Adorn) in the city, they stock a selection of their own products in-store. Upstairs you can find Akin, Norwich’s first independent magazine shop, stocking 60+ independent magazine titles.
The Elm Hill Craft Shop
The Elm Hill Craft Shop is one of the oldest independent shops still thriving in Norwich. Owned by the Morris family for over 35 years, the shop continues to provide impeccable service and a return to the shopping experience of times gone by. In recent years the focus has been on state-of-the-art stationery: Japanese, European and UK stationery supplies including giants such as Midori, Kaweco, Penco, Cambridge Imprint, Blackwing and Koh-I-Noor, to mention but a few. The shop also stocks hand-picked homewares, books and children’s toys to delight and inspire. Form, function and old-fashioned values – Elm Hill Craft Shop is a place to browse, collect your thoughts and find the perfect notebook or pen!
Jarrolds
No trip to Norwich is complete without a visit to the family-run department store. Jarrolds, overlooking Norwich Marketplace, offers a contemporary shopping experience over five floors covering fashion, furniture, beauty, books, toys, gifts and kitchenware. Meander through the fragrant beauty hall, stocking exclusive niche brands and visit The Retreat Beauty Rooms. Discover Norwich’s only Food Hall dedicated to gourmet delicacies, a bespoke Cheese Room and a curated Wine Cellar, focussing on local producers. With a choice of three restaurants, two wine bars, a coffee bar and a seafood bar, it is perfect for those in need of refreshment and are well catered for.
The Garnet Stores & Supplies
Right next door to The Garnet pub in Norwich Market, The Garnet Stores & Supplies sells functional homeware, locally sourced gifts and all sorts of treats from near and far, including Norfolk Natural Living, Sop, Pump St Bakery, Gnaw, Yare Valley Oils, Ivy Light, Yarmouth Oilskins and more. Sourcing all the things we know improve our day to day – from traditional glass cloths and unbreakable Falconware, to feather dusters and brooms that are built to last – sustainability and practical purpose are at the heart of everything they stock. Think lifestyle, but the lifestyle we are actually living. Grab a coffee while you shop or pick a spot at the window or terrace and watch the bustling market.
Sevenwolves
Since its conception in 2011 in prime Norwich Lanes territory, Sevenwolves has quietly established itself as a purveyor of unpretentious style. From Norse Projects and Folk to Camper and Patagonia, founders Nick and Robin have a keen eye for tracking down under-the-radar menswear brands and soon-to-be cult classics from across the globe. This same ideal of high quality has informed the feel and ethos of the Norwich store. Carefully executed to provide a relaxed, pleasurable retail experience in a beautifully designed environment, the friendly, knowledgeable staff offer you one of the best shopping experiences around. Sevenwolves shares its store on Exchange Street with its womenswear counterpart, Catfish.
Substrata Wines
The conduit between sustainable producers and conscientious consumers, Substrata Wines sells organic, biodynamic and natural wines from natural vineyards. Brothers Tom and Ben are committed to bringing organic and natural deliciousness to Norwich, and only buy wines from small, independent producers who grow their own organic grapes. These growers have an active investment in the land, and a deep need to safeguard the fertility of the soil. Choose from a range of high-quality natural and low-intervention wines, particularly orange wines and Pet Nats. For a personal, knowledgeable and friendly service, visit them on Norwich Market or online. Look out for in-person and online tasting events.
Dogfish
For over 30 years, Dogfish has been bringing Norwich’s cool kids the freshest emerging street and workwear-inspired brands, such as Suicoke, Aries, AWAKE NY, Brain Dead and ByParra, alongside timeless classics including Stüssy, Carhart WIP and Dickies.
The wealth of upscale, leftfield labels is just one of the reasons why this three-floor retail concept on Bedford Street in Norwich continues to pull in a loyal crowd. The rest is down to its artfully cool interior and friendly staff who really know their stuff. Dogfish has expanded its offering to feature more lifestyle goods, gadgets and accessories, such as YETI and W&P Porter. If you need repairs, tailoring or customisation, head to the first floor to in-house tailor Nate @gokottahandcraft.
Juni & Co
Juni & Co is Norwich’s newest destination to discover a carefully curated selection of the best beauty and wellness brands. As well as Juni’s award-winning lip care and colour products, the store in the iconic Royal Arcade will sell other beauty and wellness brands. With a premium spa-like aesthetic, it’s the perfect location to host events, collaborate with local wellness practitioners and provide skincare and make-up services. With a strong network of local and industry connections, Juni & Co offers a 360-degree approach to beauty: skincare, make-up, wellness and lifestyle. Founder, make-up artist and ex-model Madeleine White is a passionate advocate for bridging the gap between premium and green beauty. In 2021 she won the CEW Young Achiever Award.
Philip Browne
Since 1986 designer menswear store Philip Browne has been curating the best from luxury, sport and streetwear, championing innovative design and pushing the boundaries of fashion. Both a shop and a haven for music, art and discussion, the prominent window display on Guildhall Hill is a real talking point, often used as an installation space for artists and collaborations. Within the buying process the shop invests inproducts that use recycled plastics and materials, sourcing sustainably conscious brands such as Adidas X Parley, Veja and Nanushka. The in-store experience is relaxed yet professional. Philip and his team care about quality, both in clothing and in its customer care.
Venus Vinyl
Vinyl record and craft beer store Venus Vinyl focuses on sourcing the best vinyl records and craft beers possible. The Magdalen Street store has a large selection of vinyl records across all genres, personally curated by owner Benjamin whose motto is, “If it’s good, it’s good!”. He aims to bring customers the best new releases and reissues on limited edition and hard-to-get-hold-of pressings.
The Norwich store has an alcohol licence so customers can enjoy a drink in the small bar area while they browse the vinyl selections. Benjamin places an emphasis on making the shop a friendly and welcoming space for everyone and wants to eradicate the idea of record shops being intimidating.
Lisa Angel
Packed full of fun and quirky jewellery, homeware and accessories, Lisa Angel has a unique range of gifts for every age and style. Find a beautiful collection of jewellery and accessories with delicate pieces and on-trend items for everyone, designed by the Lisa Angel in-house team or sourced for its collections. The talented personalisation team in Rackheath can personalise much of the collection for you.
Lisa Angel also stocks lots of popular brands such as House of Disaster, Sass & Belle and Jellycat. Its flagship store sits in the heart of the Norwich Lanes at the top of Lower Goat Lane, while the Chantry Place store welcomes shoppers in on the lower ground floor.
Lowell
Vinyl and vintage clothing store Lowell opened in Norwich in 2021 and has quickly become a much-loved community space where everyone
is welcome. Selling new vinyl, hand-curated vintage clothing, independent creators' work
and publications from all over the world, the welcoming store in Pottergate is designed around the concept of a 70s living room to create a safe space for anyone to come and relax, browse or listen to music. Owners Cat and Jack hand-pick every item of vintage clothing they sell and select every new record in the shop to provide a unique experience. Lowell hosts regular events, including in-store listening parties and live music, where all the proceeds go to a chosen charity.
Thorns DIY
Family-run Thorns DIY is an independent and traditional hardware store in the heart of the Norwich Lanes. Established in 1835 by London merchant Robert Elliot Thorn, who saw a gap in the market for ironmongers in Norwich, the building on Exchange Street has a unique history, and customers love getting lost in the quirky layout of the store. Run by Peter Motts and his two daughters, Emily and Miriam, they stock thousands of items for the home and garden, and the friendly, knowledgeable team love helping people with their DIY projects. At the DIY Week Awards 2022, they won Retailer of the Year. Free local delivery is available (terms and conditions apply).
Goodery
Online grocery store Goodery exists to redesign the local food value chain to strengthen societal and ecological health in East Anglia. Goodery grows its own food and works with local organic farms as well as organic importers to offer vegetable and fruit boxes for delivery with zero emissions. Select from one of its weekly standard fruit and vegetable boxes for best value or
build your own box. As well as organic produce, Goodery also offers everyday essentials from a growing range of local ethical producers, including artisanal products such as fermented foods and specialty coffee. The same friendly local driver will deliver your box in an electric van on the same day each week.
Catfish
A Norwich Lanes favourite since 1992, Catfish stays ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest womenswear brands. Part of
the Dogfish/Sevenwolves family, the colourful store is located on the basement floor in Sevenwolves, where you’ll discover fresh, contemporary designer womenswear for all ages. Niche designer labels such as Brain Dead, Sessùn and Suicoke sit comfortably alongside all the latest collections from iconic brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Carhartt WIP, OBEY, Fred Perry and Stüssy. Don’t miss the carefully curated mix of jewellery, bags and footwear from brands such as Matt & Nat, Camper and Fjällräven.
The Book Hive
Curving elegantly around the corner of historic London Street and St Andrew's Hill, The Book Hive invites curious minds to browse, discuss and spend time reading – and hopefully buy a book. Over two floors you will discover the newest fiction and non-fiction, plus poetry, small press, children’s, cookbooks and art titles. With an ever-changing selection of hand-picked books from the best small publishers, all the dross is filtered out to showcase
the most beautiful and interesting examples of printed material. Look out for regular events and book signings, including a weekly quiet reading hour called Page Against the Machine.
The Granary by Jarrold
A champion of functional but beautiful design, The Granary by Jarrold showcases contemporary living over three floors of retail space. The Grade II-listed building on Bedford Street in Norwich has undergone extensive renovation to reclaim its stunning historical features; the heavy oak beams, red-brick walls and fireplaces provide an inspirational setting for its collections.
The ground floor features artfully displayed, aesthetically pleasing home accessories and gifts, from brands including Notre Monde, Fatboy, Parlane and Marimekko, alongsidehandmade dining and occasional furniture and a selection
of soft furnishings that can be bespoke to your requirements. The first floor is home to the Natuzzi Editions gallery, a collection of Italian-inspired upholstery in a choice of top-quality leathers; the range includes sofas, chairs, corner sofas and chaise longues. The top floor has a large gallery of Italian-designed and manufactured dining and occasional furniture by Calligaris.
Working Title
Contemporary menswear with a heritage twist, Working Title has been in the Norwich Lanes since 2016. With an ethos of ‘buy once, buy better’, you’ll find quality lifetime pieces such as new and re-established workwear clothing brands, curated vintage, lifestyle products (from homewares to grooming and fragrances) and much more. Owner Martin is always on the quest to bring unique and often exclusive brands to Norwich which aren’t easily attainable.
Rainbow Wholefoods
An established favourite serving Norwich’s vegetarian and vegan community, Rainbow Wholefoods sells wholefoods and green non-food household goods from its recently renovated shop on Davey Place near Norwich Market as well as online, delivering to Norwich by bike and elsewhere by van. The all-vegetarian and GM-free range includes many organic, vegan, gluten-free, Fairtrade, local and macrobiotic choices. Since opening in Dove Street in 1976, Rainbow has traded through one pandemic, two fires, three recessions and four moves of premises. Following an extensive eight-month building project, their new store has a custom-built refill station. There are no plans to move again. Ever.
Design House Norwich
Design House Norwich is spread across three floors of a 17th- century building on one of Norwich’s oldest recorded streets, Timberhill. The shop stocks and displays some of Europe’s best designer modern furniture, including Ligne Roset, Hülsta, Vitra, as well as many other brands from Italy, France, Germany, Holland and Scandinavia. They also sell fabrics, wallpapers, lighting, rugs, home accessories and offer an interior design service. Open since 2012, Jill and Raymond Joscelyne have years of interior design expertise and knowledge to support their customers. To ensure minimal waste, all packaging is recyclable and old fabric and wallpaper books are donated to design students.
Dipple & Conway Opticians
Founded in 1916, Dipple & Conway Opticians has been in business for over 100 years, run by four consecutive generations of Conways. Now with three practices across Norfolk, in Norwich, Swaffham and Diss, its continued success lies in the extra time and care the specialist opticians take on enhanced eye tests along with individual client care plans. As well as expert eye examinations, they also sell high-quality eyewear that lasts from global names such as
Ray Ban and Ralph Lauren, and handcrafted independent frame manufacturers such as Oliver Peoples and Cutler and Gross. In 2020 they won a nationally recognised Best Customer Service award.
Norfolk Retro
Vintage furniture and homeware shop Norfolk Retro stocks a carefully sourced selection of affordable mid-century furniture, ceramics,
art and decorative pieces. Everything stocked in the eclectic shop on St Augustine’s Street in Norwich is preloved, providing secondhand alternatives to ‘fast interiors’. Owner Laura tries to keep prices affordable and provides a personal service which includes offering free local delivery on larger pieces. Norfolk Retro was listed in Elle Decoration’s ‘Best 11 Vintage Interiors and Interior Shops on Instagram’ in 2021, which gave Laura the confidence to open a permanent retail space to run alongside her online presence. Laura aims to offer a comfortable, non-intimidating shopping experience where browsers are very much welcome.
Head in the Clouds
The oldest surviving head shop in Britain, Head in the Clouds sells everything you need to live your best hippy bohemian life. Unafraid to change with the times, this Norwich institution in the heart of the Norwich Lanes looks, smells and feels exactly as it did when it opened way back in 1971. Adored by all ages, this unashamedly hippy shop is filled with magical smells, smoking paraphernalia, crystals, jewellery, tarot cards and ethically sourced clothing, such as its popular 100%-wool daisy jumpers. It continues to draw generations of families into the clouds – a space to feel loved, listened to, and sometimes have a cuddle with resident dog Willow. Pop in to keep your Head in the Clouds.
Soundclash
Soundclash is one of the last independent record shops in East Anglia, specialising in new releases, independent and underground music from around the world on vinyl and CD. In this brave new world of streaming, this St Benedict's Street record shop, open since 1991, is a living, breathing experience for vinyl fans. The unassuming store in the Norwich Lanes makes browsing a breeze with a diverse selection of new vinyl covering genres from jazz to jungle and everything in between, alongside a clutch of musically minded books and ephemera. Keep an eye on the shop’s Instagram for in-store events such as Record Store Day.
Bowhill & Elliott
One of only a handful of businesses that manufacture and sell footwear on the same site, Bowhill & Elliott specialises in making gender-neutral velvet house shoes and has been turning slippers by hand from its workshop in Norwich since 1874. The signature velvet Albert slippers are recognised around the world for their quality, and customers travel specifically to the two-storey shop on London Street to buy at local prices. The shop also stocks English-made Goodyear-welted footwear from heritage brands Crockett & Jones, Joseph Cheaney & Sons and Loake. As a 'slow wear' manufacturer, the Made to Order service offers a wide range of customisation.
Elements
Bang in the heart of the Norwich Lanes, Elements opened in the late 80s and has been a stalwart of the Norwich menswear scene ever since. The 2,000-sq-ft retail space in its beautiful Victorian shop has always offered an accessible and easily wearable range of the finest British and European brands, with the emphasis on supplying true staple pieces for nights out and days in. Long-term resident brands include Farah Vintage, Lyle & Scott, Luke 1977 and Weekend Offender. With a soulful nod to classic manufacturers such as Gabicci and Trojan, to streetwise sports standards from Fila Vintage, Sergio Tacchini and Ellesse, the store is open seven days a week and online.
Scaped Nature
Scaped Nature sells unique pieces of indoor nature for the home. Inside the calm oasis of the Norwich shop/showroom, you will find aquascaped aquariums, high-tech terrariums, bottle gardens, wabi-kusa, kokedama, moss arts, bonsai and much more. Owner Joe also sells everything needed for customers to create their own pieces of indoor nature and encourage them to take it up as a hobby. Whether you want to build your own or buy fully assembled and ready to go, the collection brings together a whole range of planted arts and hobbies that will inspire keen botanists to connect with and enjoy the beauty of nature indoors.
Slayyy Vintage
Selling distinctive and bold vintage and reworked clothes, Slayyy Vintage offers the ultimate sustainable fashion experience. A stone’s throw from its former location on Norwich Market, browse for vintage gems at the bright, colourful and nostalgic shop on St Giles Street. Passionate about not only reusing and recycling secondhand clothing but repairing and reworking them to extend their lifetime, all the clothes are hand-picked by founder Rosie Dearlove, and no two items are the same. The focus is on 90s and early 00s originals and popular brands, such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Dickies and Carhartt, as well as a range of unbranded pieces and reworked clothing. A 10% discount is offered to students.
Oriental Rugs of Norwich
Supplying quality handmade rugs for over 30 years, Oriental Rugs of Norwich has over 700 rugs and kilims beautifully displayed
over three floors in its showroom on historic Bedford Street. Stocking a diverse range of colours, designs, sizes and types,
many of the rugs are sourced by owner James from their country of origin, for example, India, Pakistan and Iran. If there is a specific rug you are looking for, the friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you find it. Their free home-visit service allows you to view a rug in-situ before you buy, and they provide advice on caring for a rug and rug underlays, as well as offer a full cleaning and repair service.
Indigo Tattoo
Body-piercing clinic and tattoo parlour Indigo Tattoo has been a well-established Norwich Lanes favourite for almost 20 years. Providing a friendly and professional experience for all its customers, whatever design you have in mind, the team have got you covered: from mandala and dotwork to black traditional or colour realism.
Specialising in custom tattooing since 2004 and disciplined in a range of styles, Indigo has a talented team of in-house artists as well as guest tattooists from the UK and beyond. Indigo also offers professional body piercing. Appointments are bookable online at indigopiercing.com and available on a walk-in basis when there are spaces. They use a wide selection of surgical-grade titanium body jewellery and offer jewellery changes for any healed piercing.
Tombland Bookshop
For over 30 years, Tombland Bookshop has been buying and selling secondhand and antiquarian books from its medieval timber-framed building opposite Norwich Cathedral. Displayed across two and a half floors, the shop has a large and constantly changing stock of books on almost every subject imaginable, including art, architecture, local history, natural history and poetry, plus a large stock of specialist and academic books. The experienced and friendly staff also offer valuation, book search, book repair and binding services. From Bauhaus to bellydancing, beekeeping to botany, there is a great selection for the keen reader or the serendipitous collector.