In recent years Whitstable has become a shining example of how a town can support independent and growing businesses. Harbour Street has even won an award for being the best independent shopping street in the UK. We are proud of our local businesses and it’s fantastic to see visitors from across Europe popping in and out of our shops.
To help you to get the most out of shopping in Whitstable, we’ve compiled a rough guide for you.
The Harbour Village
A number of the town’s more established businesses started off in the Harbour Village. Comprised of small huts, you can find an eclectic shopping experience. Traders range from sweets and vegetables all the way through to 50s inspired fashion (perfect for a night out listening to local bands).
Harbour Street
Harbour Street is full to bursting with interesting and inspirational shops. Whether you are looking for local artwork and quirky pieces in Frank, to searching for a perfect British cheese in The Cheese Box, you are sure to find something to suit you. Younger visitors will love the wooden toys sold in Buttercup, sweets from The SugarBoy and can follow their retail therapy with a handmade ice cream from Sundae Sundae.
For the grown ups amongst us there are a number of boutiques including Ruskin (supplying designer menswear) and the Whiting Post (which has a stunning selection of Orla Kiely clothes and homewares). Interiors company Flory and Black now has a bespoke lighting shop in Harbour Street and the arcade is home to Rock Bottom Records, ideal for picking up second hand vinyl and DVDs.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street plays host to a selection of larger businesses and stores and can be split into 3 sections.
The bottom
Here you will find the town’s fantastic independent off licence, The Offy, who provide plastic glasses for beachfront prosecco moments. There is also George’s MiniMarket. It is said locally that if you can’t find it in George’s, it’s really not worth buying. A pair of local butchers are also open on weekends for local meat cuts.
The middle
In the middle of Oxford Street is Copperfield’s. An award winning cookware shop who’s range is second only to a well known British department store. For cyclists there is Herbert’s, a long established bike shop.
The top
At the top of Oxford Street you will find a multitude of antiques shops and art galleries. Interior design is the focus of this end of the town and you are sure to find some bargains in Valentine’s or French. There is also a kite shop for windier entertainment and the Umbrella Centre regularly holds farmers markets and vintage fairs.