Independents - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Indies: Realigning strategies

Published: 10 November, 2023

Despite the challenges facing independents, businesses are optimistic that new buying strategies will please consumers. By James Lawrence.

Homecoming for The Good Wine Shop’s fifth opening

Published: 02 November, 2023

The Good Wine Shop has expanded to a fifth site, taking over a former Oddbins site in St Margarets, Twickenham.

Independents: Paying the duty bill

Published: 15 September, 2023

Jo Gilbert reports on the results of Harpers’ latest survey, where we asked independent retailers to let us know which cost pressures are affecting them most – with inflation and duty unsurprisingly leading the charge.

Harpers indies survey reveals widespread price rises

Published: 30 August, 2023

Harpers’ latest survey canvassed the UK’s independent retailers to ask which cost pressures are affecting them most and to what extent. Now, the results are in – and we can the report that price rises have become a necessary evil for the majority of businesses.

Indies Survey: What’s the deal with duty?

Published: 17 August, 2023

Harpers wants to hear from indie retailers as to how the 1 August duty rises – and associated costs – are impacting business.

Independents: Cutting it fine

Published: 14 August, 2023

From ‘classics’ to new contenders, Chris Losh sizes the trends at the high end.

Indies: Vinotopia, from box to barn

Published: 02 August, 2023

Cotswolds indie Vinotopia’s latest ‘luxury’ wine destination is a rather posh barn. Andrew Catchpole takes a peek.

Oxford Wine Group announces new bar opening

Published: 31 July, 2023

Having celebrated its crowning as the number one merchant in Harpers' 50 Best Indies list 2023, The Oxford Wine Group has announced it will open a brand-new city centre venue later this year.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Archie McDiarmid, Luvians

Published: 28 July, 2023

Midway through 2023, Harpers is taking stock of yet another turbulent year for the drinks trade, with plenty of highs and lows, so far. We continue our series with, Archie McDiarmid, manager, Luvians Bottleshop, to find out how the year has gone so far and what the remainder may bring.

Jeroboams ‘neighbourhood’ family of stores to hit 10 with Chelsea opening

Published: 22 May, 2023

Jeroboams, which bills itself as ‘London’s local wine merchant’, is to hit the milestone of 10 stores this June as part of what the company describes as its “ambitious growth plans”.

Independents encouraged to sign up for summer Beaujolais promotion

Published: 09 May, 2023

In association with Harpers’ publisher Agile Media, independents are invited to sign up for the Share the Spirit of Beaujolais promotion, to help elevate the profile of the region and drive an uplift in sales.

Indies focus: Manchester's bright northern lights

Published: 12 April, 2023

Jo Gilbert struck out for Manchester to discover what makes the city tick post-Covid.

Leave it to Marc Hough, owner of Manchester hybrid Cork of the North, to give a comprehensive summary of the city in which he lives and works in the space of 30 seconds.

Cambridge gears up for 30th anniversary celebrations

Published: 13 March, 2023

Cambridge Wine Merchants is celebrating reaching three decades in the trade in 2023, with a roster of events lined up to mark the major milestone.

Indies: Weighing up the options

Published: 24 February, 2023

With merchants facing unprecedented upward price pressures, Andrew Catchpole assesses what can be done.

SITT announces strongest lineup of exhibitors yet

Published: 02 February, 2023

The Specialist Importers’ Trade Tasting (SITT) returns this spring, with a dedicated focus on the independent sector.

50 Best Indies 2023: The full rundown

Published: 13 January, 2023

Having moved on from the pandemic but now with economic upheaval to contend with, the UK’s independent merchant sector is nonetheless in vibrant health, if this year’s crop of worthy winners are anything to go by. Innovation, backed by enthusiasm, knowledge and great communication, with ever greater emphasis on sustainability, were much in evidence across the readership-nominated long list this year.

New Golden Vines scholarship aims for wider BAME representation

Published: 09 January, 2023

The Gérard Basset Foundation, in collaboration with Wine Owners, Lay & Wheeler and IG Wines, has unveiled a new Golden Vines Scholarship for members of the BAME/BIPOC community who wish to break into the wine trade.

50 Best Indies 2023: Tune in for the results

Published: 06 January, 2023

Once again the results of our popular 50 Best Indies list are ready to be announced, with tranches of 10 being revealed each day next week (9-13 January) at 11am.

OWC hails biggest ever Christmas

Published: 04 January, 2023

The year 2022 certainly had its challenges, with businesses struggling to make ends meet amid a soaring cost-of-living – and trading – crisis. However, one business is celebrating a bumper festive period, with last month offering up the best December in the company’s 30-year history.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Phil Innes, Loki Wines

Published: 12 December, 2022

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Phil Innes, founder and MD of Loki Wines, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.