My Favourite Independent Shops in Lincoln

It’s easy to get swept up in the convenience of shopping at bigger companies, especially when you can get next-day (or even same-day) delivery, but there’s something really special about shopping at local small businesses. I love being able to build a rapport with the shop owners, being able to talk to them about the products their selling, and knowing that I’m supporting people in my local community.

With Love From Lincolnshire

This is one of my favourite places to visit in Lincoln, mostly due to the vast array of beautiful and unique items you can find there. With Love From Lincolnshire house many different local sellers in Lincoln as they rent out shelves within the shop for people to display their items for sale.

If you see anything you like, you just pick it up and pay for it similar to any other shop, but the money goes directly to the independent sellers! I’ve found many lovely gifts here, and the prices are often cheaper than you’d find online. I like to think of With Love From Lincolnshire as an in-person Etsy.

Lindum Books

Buying books online may be convenient, but you don’t get the same old bookshop smell that you do at Lindum Books. As soon as you walk in you’ll be hit by the nostalgic scent of books stacked on shelves, and welcomed by the lovely staff. There’s a selection of new and used books to choose from, so you’re bound to find something different than you would in Tesco.

If there’s a book you want that’s not in stock, you can see if it can be ordered into the shop and you’ll receive a text when it’s ready to collect! Visiting Lindum Books is a lovely excuse to walk around the Bailgate area and enjoy the atmosphere.

Back To Mono

Back To Mono is Lincoln’s only independent record store, and the only place in Lincoln that celebrates Record Store Day. One of the benefits of shopping at Back To Mono is being able to talk to very knowledgeable owners, as opposed to bigger shops like HMV. You can get the real, old-fashioned record shop experience at Back To Mono by flipping through all the records around, talking to other customers and the owners about the records you’re interested in, and you can even find some t-shirts and tapes if you’re interested in those too.

Forage and Fill

Forage and Fill is a fantastic eco-friendly, zero-waste shop based on Guildhall Street in Lincoln. The owner is very helpful and kind, and stocks a large amount of everyday items such as soap, all-purpose cleaners, food like pasta and soup, herbs, sweet treats, and much more! Enjoy the fantastic If you’re looking to reduce your waste and support a local small business, you can’t go wrong with Forage and Fill.