Meet the Grainger Market Traders: Little Bazaar

Can you tell us how you came to be the new owner of Little Bazaar? It sounds like quite a story!

It all began around Christmas - I popped into Little Bazaar to buy a birthday card for a friend. I knew it would be the perfect spot to find something thoughtful and unique, something my friend and meditation teacher would appreciate. While I was there, I got chatting with Carol, who still works alongside me – she was really friendly and helpful. She told me the shop was up for sale. On a bit of a whim, I left my details for the owners.

Not long after, we met for a coffee where we instantly connected. They could see how passionate I was about the shop and its energy and before I knew it, we’d agreed on the sale and the rest is history. I’d been in the same job for 29 years, and I had no idea this was just around the corner for me. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and I’m so glad that I was able to grab this opportunity with both hands.

Were you a frequent customer of Little Bazaar before taking it over?

Yes, I was. I used to pop into Little Bazaar quite regularly, often with my mam - we had a bit of a tradition of browsing the crystals together. It’s always been one of those places that just draws you in. I’ve always had a soft spot for independent shops and try to support local whenever I can, so Little Bazaar was a place I genuinely loved visiting even before the idea of owning it ever crossed my mind.

Little Bazaar has been a Grainger Market staple for a long time. What will you be keeping the same and what will you be changing?

Little Bazaar has such a lovely community following - we have some core regulars who come in often for their favourite incense and crystals and we have likeminded people who visit us while visiting the city. It was really important to me to keep those core offerings the same. Some customers fondly refer to it as “the witchy shop” and while I don’t have quite the same depth of knowledge that Georgie, who used to work in the shop, had, I’m passionate about learning as I go. I’ve kept all the magical and mystical items that give the shop its unique charm.

At the same time, I’ve been having fun expanding on what makes Little Bazaar special. It’s always been a great place to find an unusual gift, and I’ve leaned into refreshing the window displays with eye-catching, eclectic pieces to draw people in. I’ve introduced new figures that have quickly become popular and expanded the range of Tibetan singing bowls. We now even have a shamanic drum and a gong - people can’t seem to resist giving them a tap as they walk past!

Ultimately, I want to stay true to the soul of the shop while adding my own touches to keep it fresh and exciting.

For those not in the know, what kind of items can people buy at Little Bazaar?

There really is something for everyone at Little Bazaar, especially if you’re drawn to the mystical, spiritual, or the weird and wonderful. We stock a wide range of high-quality incense along with ash catchers, sage sticks, and hand-poured candles. Crystals are a big part of the shop too - we have some beautiful stones and a wide selection of crystal bracelets.

You’ll also find oracle cards, spiritual books, and a variety of jewellery, accessories, kaftans, t-shirts, bags and trinket dishes. For gift-givers or collectors, we have an ever-growing range of ornamental pieces, including Buddhas, dragons, skulls, fairies, angels, mythological figures, decorative boxes and more. I have a lot of unusual and ever-changing stock, you never really know what you’ll find until you come in for a browse, and that’s part of the magic!

Where do you source your products from?

I aim to source my products as locally as possible. We stock a lovely range of handmade goods from local artists, which have been really popular with customers and add such a personal touch to the shop. I also work with local suppliers and a selection of national wholesalers to keep the range varied and interesting. It’s a real mix, but I curate everything with care to make sure it fits with the spirit of Little Bazaar.

How has business been since taking over Little Bazaar?

Since reopening the store after a refresh, we are getting busier each week. The response from regular customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many of them have been shopping here for years, so it means a lot to hear how much they love the improvements we've made. It’s been lovely to see familiar faces coming back and more and more new customers discovering us too.

What’s it been like joining the Grainger Market community?

It’s been absolutely brilliant, I love it! The traders and staff here are so friendly and there’s a real sense of community. Everyone looks out for each other, which is really special. From day one, people have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. It genuinely feels like being part of one big family.

Little Bazaar is located in Units 141-142 on Alley 3 in Grainger Market and is open from Monday to Saturday between 9:30am and 5pm. For more information visit https://ourgraingermarket.co.uk/traders/little-bazaar.

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