7 of the Best Independent Boutiques to Shop in 2023

The heart of every high street, independent boutiques can bring together communities, create cultural hubs in areas big and small and, above all, are a joy to shop in.

From small towns across the UK to the cobbled city streets of Europe, the Trouva boutiques curating the very best home, fashion and lifestyle brands are everywhere, just waiting to be discovered.

To celebrate our community of independent boutiques making every high street more unique, each year we host our annual Independent Awards.

From their expertly curated collections to inspirational styling ideas and in-store events that provide fun for all the family, our boutiques are a force to be reckoned with.

Read on to meet the 7 best boutiques to shop in 2023.

Named after the owner's grandmother, family run Aida aims to bring a grounding sense of connection to the hustle and bustle of London’s Shoreditch. Putting their customers at the heart of their curated collections, Aida hunts for under-the-radar brands that resonate with their community.

“We look for brands that consider their environmental and social impact on the world. We also look for brands whose products are unique and built to last - beautiful, considered designs that people can enjoy for years to come.” says owner Helena.

This year, Aida won our award for Best Content thanks to their creative visuals and social presence that perfectly showcase their curation of contemporary fashion. Check out their Instagram to see for yourself - we can guarantee you’ll leave with a wishlist as long as your arm.

Situated in the Orkney Islands, The Longship truly embodies the independent spirit. Through their curation of traditional knitwear, ceramics and jewellery made by local artisans, their eclectic mix of homeware pieces from the likes of Afroart, Donna Wilson and Marimekko and their playful kids collections, The Longship has carved out its signature style, and placed focus on thoughtful design and craftsmanship.

Remote in actuality, but a big hitter in the online world of Trouva, The Longship have engaged with customers the world over, solidifying them in top spot for our Boutique of the Year award this year, and rightfully so.

“We love seeking out beautifully-designed, well-made products from across Scotland and further afield, and bringing them home to Orkney, sharing the work of our friends and neighbours with appreciative buyers hundreds or even thousands of miles away,” says owner, Ingrid.

Purveyors of eclectic homewares and lifestyle brands, Hertfordshire-based boutique Five and Dime is renowned for its unique curation, so much so that it was awarded with our Top Curator title at this year’s Independent Awards.

Founded in 2017 by Fran and Craig, Five and Dime showcases unique pieces in an accessible way, to show that interiors can be fun, playful and a true reflection of our personalities. Whether it’s bestselling kitschy colour pops from &klevering, witty ceramics from Keith Brymer Jones, scented candles from WXY to set the mood, or Hoptimist’s joyful home accessories, Five and Dime have everything you need to make a house your home.

A staple on its local high street, East Yorkshire-based boutique The Modern Draper offers a masterclass in menswear. Housing a mix of contemporary favourites and heritage household names, each piece in their collection is hand-picked by owners Chris and Lisa to ensure it resonates with their style-conscious community.

Aiming to offer a well-rounded authentic approach to menswear paired with friendly, old-fashioned customer service, Chris, Lisa and the Modern Draper team, given the In-Store Superstar Award at this year’s event, know their product offering through and through, meaning you can trust their expertise and know you’re on to a winner.

From bestselling Veja styles to contemporary wardrobe heroes such as Universal Works, Barbour and Red Wing, The Modern Draper are your go-to boutique for your next wardrobe refresh.

Margate-based boutique AARVEN elevates, honours and celebrates traditional crafting by giving it a contemporary appeal, making its sustainably-designed homeware and lifestyle products a must-have.

Founded by friends Amy Fleuriot-Reade and Bee Friedmann, who bonded over their mutual love of design and the planet, AARVEN was created to focus on making shopping sustainably more accessible. AARVEN works with 30 artisan groups across Africa and India to produce their signature collections of handwoven tableware and storage baskets, jewellery made from recycled materials, and in-house pet brand Hiro + Wolf.

AARVEN’s efforts in the sphere of sustainable retail and homewares has not gone unnoticed, and has in fact landed them our Shop Small, Think Big Award, named after our monthly sustainability newsletter. Want to join the club? Sign up here!

Situated in the small town of Arzignano in Northern Italy, LADUEMILA Concept Store may have only just joined the Trouva family, but they are by no means new kids on the block. With a rich 30 years of history behind them, LADUEMILA Concept Store started as a humble stationery boutique, having since grown into the characterful homeware destination it is today.

Still with the same passion as harnessed in its beginnings, LADUEMILA Concept Store now curates their signature style through eclectic homeware and curiosities and quality design-led pieces, made to last a lifetime.

From Zafferano lamps perfect for outdoor entertaining, to Crosley record players for a slow Sunday at home, and Italy’s most famous export Seletti, their extensive collection which is full to the brim with personality, has solidified them as our New Boutique of the Year, and is destined to get inspiration flowing, no matter your style.

Barcelona-based Chandal delights customers the world over with its curation of unexpected and nostalgic homeware, accessories, stationery,children’s toys and accessories. Known for its wit and unique approach to curation, Chandal places emphasis on the stories behind the products it stocks, connecting with its customers on an emotional level - a real hero on their high street, Chandal gives customers what they didn’t know they needed.

From the joyful best-selling Baggu to Candylab cars perfect for all ages, Earl of East home fragrance or colourful homeware from Octaevo, you’re bound to find the perfect piece whether buying gifts for loved ones or just wanting to bring a little joy to your day.