A group of Dawlish shopkeepers has launched a campaign to promote the town’s unique, independent businesses and showcase the resort to residents and visitors.

‘Independent Dawlish’ was the brainchild of Julie Lister, who runs women’s clothing boutique Chic and Sassy. She joined forces with three other independent retailers in the town: Sarah Nicks from ladies’ fashion shop Number Seventeen; Helen Comer from gift shop Ten Green Bottles; and Ali Aitchison from Presents of Dawlish, to get the ball rolling.

Sarah Nicks and Julie Lister outside Chic and Sassy Boutique in Dawlish
Sarah Nicks and Julie Lister are two of the retailers behind the Independent Dawlish initiative to promote the town as a destination for shopping, eating and relaxing. (Jo Bowery / MDA)

The business owners are keen to put Dawlish on the map as a destination for shopping, eating and relaxing. ‘We want it to be about the experience, we have so many lovely places like the brook and the beach and there is such a variety of different and unusual independent shops and places to eat,’ explained Julie. ‘All four of us are passionate, not just about promoting our businesses, but about putting the town on the map,’ she added.

The Independent Dawlish campaign started life in February this year as a Facebook page featuring different local businesses and events. The page now has nearly 500 followers and Independent Dawlish has big plans going forward. ‘We’re constantly thinking of ways to promote the town,’ Sarah commented. The group is working alongside the Chamber of Commerce, the Town Council and tourist organisations to develop more ways to showcase the town and its businesses, such as through Christmas events, which will encourage more year-round trade.

‘We get lots of visitors and day-trippers who love the town,’ noted Sarah. ‘But some locals, who might live on the outskirts of Dawlish and commute to Exeter, don’t come into town and they don’t realise what’s here on their doorstep,’ added Julie.

Moreover, at a time when many businesses, particularly retailers, are struggling due to the Covid hangover, the cost-of-living crisis and the recent bad weather, Independent Dawlish, ‘has given us all a boost’. Julie further explained: ‘We bounce off each other, we share our ideas and experiences, and, as Ali once remarked, we’re all friends as well.’

Ultimately, Sarah summed up, ‘it’s our town and we’re really proud of it’.