Quirky Independence
One of the many things that makes Knaresborough special is the wide variety of Independent businesses set up by people local to the area. From the very successful Stomp ran by local mums Kala and Gill, to many of the little cafes dotted around such as our own. The local community provides a fantastic range of different, varied and lovely things to do and buy - and it is these independent quirky shops and local businesses which help make Knaresborough special.
The Crystal Bhudda
The Crystal Bhudda is just one of those magical little shops. Annie has been running the specialist crystal shop with her mum for almost 7 years. The shop sells lots of beautiful items such as Salt Lamps, jewellery and sound healing products - but the main thing is the stunning crystals!
The Crystal Bhudda has mindfully sourced products and is part of a non-profit organisation that protects people working in the communities around gemstone mines. They also have a great team who are trained in their own holistic fields such as Mitzan Therapy, Sound Healing, Reflexology, Colour Therapy, Reiki, Hypnotherapy and Crystal Healing. This means a mindful shop with a mix of skills and personal knowledge that are perfect for the customers.
The Crystal Buddha is not just a shop - its a way of life!
Stomp
Stomp is a very popular independent childrens shoe shop set up by best friends and mums Gill and Kala in March 2013. Wanting to start a new venture together, they were travelling out of town to buy shoes for their little ones, so decided to open their own childrens shoe shop in Knaresborough.
Kala, Gill and their team fit and measure the childrens feet and are well known locally for fitting children with their first pair of shoes! As mums themselves. Kala and Gill know how special those first pair of shoes can be both to parents and children. The shop also caters for families with special needs by opening out of hours or by special appointment so the families feel relaxed and comfortable. Unsurprisingly their family friendly approach has been recognised by them winning Harrogate Mumblers Favourite Childrens Retailer for the last 5 years running!
Stomp also now sells kids clothing including Little Joules, plus accessories such as bags & backpacks. Stomp really is a wonderful and very useful little addition to Knaresborough.
Dragonfly
Dragonfly is an independent card and gift shop which has been a feature in Knaresborough for 13 years. Dragonflies symbolise thoughts and as owner Rachael loves them, what name could be better?!
Rita is co-owner and Rachael’s mum! Having previously owned a card shop in nearby Wetherby, they both missed having a shop, so Dragonfly was born. They wanted a shop where they could get to know their customers personally and share in their special occasions so their hometown of Knaresborough was a perfect choice.
With friendly customer service and knowledge of their stock, you’ll get a personal experience with the staff often helping customers to pick out cards - In fact Dragonfly know some of their customers so well they remind them of their upcoming events! They have also been recognised by winning the RETAS Best card shop in Northern England and Best Marketing Initiative.
As well as lots of cards, Dragonfly has gifts and a huge selection of helium balloons for all different occasions and is also one of the biggest TY Beanie stockists in the area which are very popular with the kids. Dragonfly is well worth a visit for that friendly community shopping experience.
Knitting Pretty
Knitting Pretty is a delightful little shop with real character. Selling a huge variety of squishy wool and yarn, plus pompom makers, herdy products and baby items, Knitting Pretty is Knaresboroughs only wool shop owned by Diane Watson . Diane comes from a long family line of knitters and after previously working in customer care, she would knit for fellow staff at lunchtime. After joking with colleagues about opening her own wool shop, she decided to open Knitting Pretty in 2011!
The shop has a big sheep called Lady BaaBaa for its sign, a doorstop sheep called Wool-I-Am and another inside called Ed Shearing! It also boasts some great window displays and has won FEVA best dressed window several times, plus best window at the Bright Friday event this year “We love the reaction we get from passers by when they see our window!”
Knitting Pretty have supported a lot of charities through knitting. Diane loves receiving ‘Thank You’ letters from the Special Care Baby Unit for their ‘preemie knits’. They have also raised money for charities including Martin House Hospice and the Hearing Dogs and have knit and natter sessions three times a week and do classes.
Diane enjoys sharing her love and enthusiasm of knitting with everyone who comes into her shop. If you love knitting, you’ll love Knitting Pretty!
