Wirral Globe Best Of 2022 top seven independent shops revealed

Last Friday, we launched our latest Best of 2022 search as part of these celebrations, which will run until Independents’ Day on Sunday, July 3, and we wanted to find the best independent shop or business in Wirral.

So far in our Best of 2022 competition we’ve looked at hair, nails and beauty as well as pies, pubs, fish chips and breakfast with voting taking place in the best afternoon tea category over the weekend.

Next up, we wanted to show small business owners at the heart of Wirral’s local communities some love and celebrate the best the town has to offer as they juggle increasing overheads, competition from big brand companies and the ever-increasing trend for online shopping.

With independent businesses accounting for around 65% of retail outlets in the UK, it’s a sector that has been hit hard with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

We asked you to make your favourite’s day by nominating them for our Best Independent Shop award and joining the #ukindieday promotional campaign.

After reading all of your nominations, we’ve shortlisted the top seven, who will battle it out to be named Best Independent Shop in Wirral.

Now we need your help to choose an overall winner from our shortlist.

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best Of post on our Wirral Globe Facebook or Instagram pages and comment under the post with the name of your winner = 1 vote

2. Name your favourite in the comments section on this article via our website = 2 votes

3. Purchase a copy of this week’s Wirral Globe (June 29 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk – please note that only original copies will be accepted. More than one entry can be submitted per person but you will be asked to provide your own unique reference code for each entry to avoid duplication eg if your name is Smith you may wish to write Smith123 or HS21! as your code. You will need to provide a different code for each entry submitted. For full terms and conditions go to Newsquest.co.uk/terms)

Voting officially opens today, Wednesday, and closes at midnight on Monday and we will be announcing the winner next week.

Keep an eye out for our next Best Of appeal on our social media pages on Friday.

OUR SEVEN BEST INDEPENDENT SHOPS SHORTLIST:

Oxton Boutique, Rose Mount, Oxton

This small but perfectly created boutique is “amazing” with a good variety of clothes, accessories and gifts.

With something to suit every customer, owner Michelle Fenton is “warm, welcoming and knowledgeable” and “an inspirational business woman”.

One nomination said: “I call Michelle my personal shopper as there is no hard sell and she will always make sure that something really suits you.

“I love shopping here.”

Another added: “You’re treated more as a friend than a customer.”

For more details go to facebook.com/Oxton-Boutique-294848517815225

Oxton Boutique

SENsory Toy Shop, Mill Lane, Wallasey

There were several nominations for this shop which offers a wide variety of toys for children with additional needs and has inclusivity at the centre of its ethos.

One nomination said: “This is a family-run business with the hard-working team always friendly and happy to offer support to the community.

“They have recently offered a work experience placement to a high school student who is hearing impaired, opening up opportunities for all abilities.”

For more details go to facebook.com/SensorytoyshopLtd/

SENsory Toy Shop

Tilly Mint Treats, Bebington Road, Birkenhead

This family-run shop offers a huge variety of pick and mix sweets, retro and American candy as well as drinks and other confectionary.

One happy customer said: “They have a fabulous selection and cater for any occasion.

“The staff are lovely and friendly and always helpful.”

Another said: “This is our one stop sweet and ice cream shop which is brilliant for both kids and adults.”

For more details go to facebook.com/tillymintstreats

Tilly Mint Treats

Apollo Music, Princes Pavement, Birkenhead

Frequent visitors go this popular music shop say staff “go above and beyond every time” and have a “massive range of all musical instruments and equipment”.

One recommendation on their Facebook page said: “Absolutely fantastic customer service.

“I contacted Apollo enquiring after a very limited edition Gibson on the day of its release.

“They didn't think they were going to have any in stock but took my number and ten minutes later Lindsay called me back to confirm they didn't have one, but in the meantime they had found one and told me where I could pick up the only one left in the country! Amazing!”

For more details go to facebook.com/apollomusiconline/

Apollo Music

Sianee’s Silk Flowers and Occasions, Woodchurch

This “hidden gem” has silk flowers and handmade memorial displays as well as wedding arches and bespoke arrangements.

As well as flowers, they also sell cards, balloons and gifts so they are a one stop shop for all your party needs.

For more details go facebook.com/sianee.sflower

Sianee's Silk Flowers and Occasions

Borough Road Discounts Store, Birkenhead

One happy customer, who lives in a flat for the over 60s, says they have a huge garden which they’ve all helped to renovate.

The nomination for this independent shop said: “If it wasn’t for this shop, we couldn’t have afforded it as their plants are great prices and they always have offers on.

“We have managed to make a beautiful garden at a fraction of the cost thanks to them.”

For more details go to facebook.com/boroughroaddiscounts

Borough Road Discount Store

Tony’s Barbers, Heswall

This quirky barbers shop is unique with vintage collectables and memorabilia on the walls.

The experienced staff offer traditional and modern haircuts to customers of all ages.

A few readers recommended this independent barbers with one saying: “Great haircuts, great, vibe, great memorabilia, great music and great for the young and the not so young”.

For more details go to facebook.com/heswall.tonysbarbers

Tony's Barber Shops