top of page

Independent retail thrives in Blackpool as we choose community over competition. Inspiring conversations with Rose Hartley

Writer's picture: Madeleine Grange-GlenMadeleine Grange-Glen


In the heart of Blackpool, independent retail is flourishing, driven by passionate business owners like Rose Hartley, the founder of Happi Place ship. Nestled within Abingdon Street Market, her shop is a celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and community spirit.  

 

Abingdon Street Market has quickly become the home of independent retail in Blackpool, offering a dynamic mix of 12 independent retail units, five street food vendors, a coffee stop, two bars, and a pop-up food vendor. This thriving marketplace is not just a shopping destination but a hub for local entrepreneurs, artists, and makers looking to grow their businesses in a supportive environment.  

 

We sat down with Rose to discuss her journey, the importance of independent retail, and how Blackpool is inspiring the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.  

 

For Rose, opening an independent shop was a long-time dream.  "I started off as an illustrator," she explains. "I make my own cards and illustrated prints inspired by pop culture. And now I own a shop that supports lots of other indie makers, alongside nostalgia toys and gifts."

 

Her shop isn’t just a business—it’s a passion project built on years of experience in independent retail.  "I've been working in retail for 16 years, always in independent gift shops. Whether it was in a museum shop or a home and gift store, I was always around other artists, which I really loved."

 

That love for artistic communities and small businesses shaped her vision.  "I've always had this idea in my head—what the shop would look like and who I'd stock. And now, it's basically my brain exploded into a unit," she laughs.  




 Walking into Happi Place Shop, customers step into a space filled with unique, hand-picked products. It's a reflection of Rose’s passion for creativity and her belief in supporting independent makers.  

 

One of the most rewarding parts of running Happi Place Shop has been connecting with young artists who visit the store.  "Being here in Blackpool, I’ve noticed there are a lot of young and aspiring artists that visit the shop, which has been great to see," Rose shares. "When they come in and see small independent artists from the UK selling their items in a shop in the centre of Blackpool, it seems to fill them with hope and inspiration."

 

"Every now and again, we have a regular young artist give us one of their stickers they’ve created. It’s so great following their journey and watching them gain confidence." Encouraging this creativity is something Happi Place Shop hopes to expand on in the future.  

 

"We definitely want to start some sort of sticker swap in the shop as a way of connecting with artists who are just starting out." For many young creatives, independent shops like Rose’s provide not only a platform for their work but also a sense of belonging in a supportive artistic community.   




 

One of the biggest reasons Rose chose to open her shop in Abingdon Street Market was the sense of collaboration among independent businesses.  "I've always had this saying: 'Community over competition.' And I feel like that's a really important thing to have and to think about," she says.  

 

In a retail world often dominated by big chains, independent businesses in Blackpool are proving that collaboration is the key to success.  "I've only been in Blackpool for about a year and a half, but I've felt nothing but community spirit. People genuinely support each other. It’s never felt like a competition. It's been really lovely to be here, surrounded by independent makers. It just makes everything feel more connected."

 

While independent artists are thriving in Blackpool, many are also facing challenges from big companies that steal their designs.  

 

"We find it’s important to stick with UK makers in the shop because so many of us have had our artwork stolen by big companies like Temu and Shein," Rose explains.  

 

This issue isn’t just local—it’s a global problem affecting small artists who put countless hours into their work.  "It’s really discouraging seeing this happen, especially when you know how many hours you personally put into designing and creating your own products, and making sure everything meets quality control."

 

The art community is fighting back, with independent makers standing together to report stolen work and raise awareness.  "There’s an unspoken rule in the art community—if you see it, report it. It’s a never-ending battle, but it’s important to keep fighting!"

 



Rather than opting for a standalone store, Rose specifically chose to be part of Abingdon Street Market.  "It’s been great having people around me," she says. "Being part of a community space means you’re not alone—you have other business owners around to support each other."  

 

With food vendors, bars, and coffee stops all within the same space, the market attracts a steady flow of visitors, making it the perfect location for small businesses.  "People come here for more than just shopping. They come for the experience—grabbing food, a coffee, and discovering something new. That’s what makes it such a great place to be."

 

As large chain stores struggle with high rents and changing shopping habits, independent retail is stepping in to redefine the high street.  

"I feel like independent retail is the future," Rose says. "It’s more personal, more creative, and it actually connects with people." Shoppers are increasingly looking for unique, meaningful purchases, rather than mass-produced items. Independent stores like Happi Place cater to that demand.  

 

"When you buy from an indie shop, you're supporting a real person. You're helping a maker, an artist, or a small business owner. That’s something you just don’t get from big chain stores." With Abingdon Street Market leading the way, Blackpool’s independent retail scene is proving that small businesses can thrive—even in a challenging retail landscape.  

 




Looking ahead, Rose is excited about what’s to come.  "I’ve always worked for other people, so having my own shop is a huge achievement. And to see it doing well? That’s even better." She hopes that more people will see the value in shopping small and supporting local businesses.  

 

"It’s not just about making a purchase—it’s about being part of a community. That’s what makes indie retail so special."

 

As Abingdon Street Market continues to grow, and more independent businesses open in Blackpool, the future looks bright for this seaside town’s creative entrepreneurs.  

 

Whether you’re a visitor, a local, or an aspiring business owner, Blackpool’s indie retail scene has never been more exciting. And with passionate business owners like Rose leading the way, it's clear that community over competition is here to stay.

 
 
 

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page