Shop to Support Lower South Street and Hardye Arcade
The recent fire at The Gorge Café on South Street has had a significant impact on neighbouring businesses. However, the outpouring of support from the community so far has been truly inspiring. Now, local businesses are calling on everyone to come together once more and show their support by shopping on lower South Street and in Hardye Arcade. Lower South Street and Hardye Arcade are home to a variety of wonderful independent shops, cafes, and businesses, many of which are still feeling the ripple effects of the recent event.
The sense of community in Dorchester has always been strong, and the response to the fire at The Gorge Café is proof of that. Let’s keep that momentum going and turn our solidarity into action by making Lower South Street and Hardye Arcade the shopping destination of choice this weekend. Together, we can help our local businesses not only recover but come back stronger than ever.
How You Can Help:
- Shop in Person: Visit Lower South Street and Hardye Arcade and explore the incredible range of local stores and eateries.
- Shop Online: Many of the businesses offer online shopping options, so you can show your support even if you can’t make it in person.
- Spread the Word: Share this message with friends and family and encourage them to “Shop to Support” too.
What to buy
Lower South Street and Hardye Arcade have some great options for last minute Christmas presents. Here are just a few suggestions:
- Pick up some wonderful toys from Toymaster and Wise Owl Toys! Both are jam packed with gifts for every age. Squish mallows, Lego, Sylvanian families, Hot Wheels and diablos… they have it all!
- Food and drink gifts from gorgeous panettone at Mina’s Deli to home made yule logs at Oxfords Bakery
- Pick up some special jewellery. Lower South Street is home to four wonderful Jewellers – Jordans Jewellers, Goldcrest Jewellers and iBuy and Sell Jewellers are all still open. Unfortunately, Allum and Sidaway are not open in person at the moment but are still open online with some fantastic pieces on offer!
- Buy pre-loved at one of the lower South Street charity shops including Julia’s House, Weldmar and Oxfam, or at the wonderful Treasure Chest Antique Shop in Hardye Arcade.
- Whatever the interest there is a present for everyone to be found. Shop for DIY enthusiasts can be found at Dogdsons; for the green fingered at The Potting Shed; for beauty and homewares at Goulds and No. 36.
Already got your Christmas gifts sorted? You can still support by popping down to have a coffee or spot to eat at one of many independent cafes. Or why not pop into Dorchester Travel or Hays Travel, both on Lower South Street and both full of inspiring catalogues with ideas for exciting trips away in 2025.
Open in Lower South Street beyond the barriers
