Monday 23 May 2011

Good Weather Shops



 I am the first to admit that when the pavements freeze to polished ice and an arctic wind nips the nose,  it is very easy to drive into a shopping center and wander in the bright, warm and dry "streets".




 However, when looking for something special, unusual or unique rather than the ordinary and mass-produced, then, the places to look are the small independent shops which are not found in shopping centers.


 At this time of the year, it is so easy, for me, to walk or cycle to the center of our little town where the shop displays spill out onto the pavements.

 Or, take a ferry across the river and wander the cobbled streets in the Old Town and search out hand-made glass, ceramics, chocolates and jewellery.  There's also olive oil from Greece, chairs from Milan  accessories in modern country style and fashion shops with that little extra.


These shops are all privately-run.  So, there's not a chain-store in sight and there's always a friendly welcome.



On a sunny day, the town and the Old Town attract lots of shoppers.  However, when the storm clouds gather and the rain bounces off the pavements, the streets and the shops become empty.


 So, guess where everyone goes:  the shopping centers, of course.


Many of these Good Weather Shops struggle to stay open.   So, the best way to make sure that in the future there will still be an alternative to shopping centers, is to brave the weather and support the local shops.


Anyway, this is what I bought:


  
 
 Zinc baskets and flowers.





Happy shopping

Anna


11 comments:

  1. Hello Anna:
    We understand completely what you mean about arctic conditions, or indeed the bistering summer heat, sending us to the controlled temperatures of the shopping malls. But, as you say so well here, it is the small, quirky, independent stores which really capture the imagination and offer something different.

    So, yes, we must all do what we can to support these small, individual traders and your zinc baskets are so very attractive.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm such a fan of strolling along wonderful streets to independent stores!! These stores look wonderful, and you bought the perfect thing!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just adore little stores that are run by there owners. So wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Richard at My Old Historic House

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can feel a holiday to Norway coming soon...what lovely shops!
    Your wire baskets are perfect either side of your door too.
    Julie x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes you are right of course. We need to do more to support these wonderful, individual shops. I must say the goods looked very tempting and your basket and flowers are delightful. Love Linda x

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love independent shops like these, each one filled with different treats and you never know what treasures you might find. I'd love to browse around them, I've already spied some gorgeous things for my home! Thanks for visiting me, it's wonderful to find your lovely blog.
    Helen x

    ReplyDelete
  7. I agree Anna! Small independently owned shops are struggling here in Australia also. I love shopping this way - you never know what you might find. I really don't like big shopping centres at all. To me they are soulless and I get lost so easily! I have to drive to a shopping centre now just to buy sewing cotton!

    I love the look of the garden shop. I would be visiting there for sure!

    Stephie x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Anna,
    Thanks for visiting my blog, and indeed, I too love to stroll around small shops, chain is ok but the individual owned ones have more unique items, and I love the way people still have service and time for a small talk.
    Thanks for sharing this, enjoy the day,
    Maureen
    (oh and welcome in blogland!)

    ReplyDelete
  9. It sounds like you live in the Norwegian equivalent of my local town: Ludlow.
    Ludlow is full of individual shops, very few chains and certainly no malls. It's a paradise for foodies, we even have a real posh chocolate shop.

    When it's cold or rains, people disappear into gorgeous little cafes and restaurants.

    Thank you for visiting and commenting. If you are going to follow me would you please add yourself to my Followers in the sidebar?
    I shall also be following you, although I won't be able to compete with the clear Norwegian lines. Rural Shropshire is wonderful but a little chaotic.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Right, that's done. Thank you.

    Actually, the Bluebeard tale - the real one - is French, no Fritzl in sight for miles, although my version has turned the story into a bit of a fairy tale.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Anna,

    What a lovely, lovely shop. There's so much in your pictures that I'd love to snap up given the opportunity!! And your new basket are gorgeous! I love them - even though I'm absolutely hopeless with hanging baskets - I ALWAYS forget to water them!! Doh!

    Sarahx

    ReplyDelete