The three independent Wirral businesses you voted top of the shops

Independent traders are at the heart of Wirral’s local communities and with the ongoing cost of living crisis they’re struggling.

It’s not easy running your own business, juggling increasing overheads, big company competition and a move away from town and city centre high streets and local communities to online shopping.

As part of our Best of 2024 competition, earlier this month we wanted to show Wirral’s small business owners some love and celebrate the best the area has to offer.

Readers and followers of the Wirral Globe nominated their favourite independent shop or business as part of the #ukindieday celebrations.

Independents account for around 65 per cent of the 290,000 retail outlets in the UK and they are at the heart of local communities.

There were nominations for butchers and florists, fashion boutiques and home improvement places covering dozens of businesses in St Helens.

We shortlisted the top 10 businesses and shops in the town and you voted Snips Movies your number one.

View Wirral’s top 10 independent shops and businesses here

As Independent Retailer Month comes to an end, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the three businesses that you voted top of the shops in Wirral – Snips Movies, Bromborough Flowers and Murphy & Miles.

SNIPS MOVIES

Snips opened in 1976

What’s your name?

Dave Wain

What’s the name of the business?

Snips Movies

What’s the address?

22 Cross Lane, Bebington, Wirral, CH63 3AL

Are you the owner/manager?

I’m the owner, manager, washer-upper – everything. I’m a sole trader, so it’s all my doing.

Snips Movies owner Dave Wain

When did you open the business?

The business was opened by my late father, Peter, in 1976.

Tell me a bit about your business. What do you do? What services do you provide?

Snips Movies is one of only two remaining film rental stores in the whole of the UK. Back at the turn of the millennium, Wirral could boast more than 60 of these businesses, but now, predominantly due to the rise of Netflix and various other streaming platforms, this style of business is quite a rarity.

Why did you decide to open your own business?

Well, I wasn’t born, so I’d have difficulty in claiming that achievement. However, my Dad always harboured a desire to work for himself, so in 1976 he opened ‘Snips’ and sold a variety of ladies clothing and competitively priced knitwear! Working alongside my late mother, Val, they did a roaring trade that allowed them to expand with another two shops – one Higher Bebington, and one in Bromborough. Alas, the ‘90s gave rise to the out-of-town shopping centres, while the growth of the supermarkets into more non-food items meant that the days of the current incarnation of Snips were numbered. Downsizing back to one shop (Cross Lane) in 1995, my Dad experienced a rather fortuitous scenario where the gentleman who owned the shop next door – the local video shop – was retiring. Ever the risk-taker, he exited the rag trade, bought the stock of 250 of so VHS from next door, and on August 8, 1995, Snips Movies opened its doors.

Snips Movies is one of just two film rental shops in the country

What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

Twenty years ago, my competitors were other movie rental shops, and now it’s Netflix and Amazon. Arguably though, it’s an easier fight – for one big reason. Watching films is becoming an elitist pastime. Thirty years ago – everyone - irrespective of income, had access to the same films via a network of well-stocked video stores, and television channels that curated a broad selection of films to broadcast. By 2024, this had changed dramatically, because the number of movies you can access depends on how much money you have. This circumstance is restricting future and current generations of cinephiles and film lovers, by pricing them out of their burgeoning hobby or vocation. To restrict access to the arts for the sake or corporate greed is something that Snips will always rally against. In retaliation to this, Snips has one of the largest rentable movie libraries in the world with over 16,000 films, and every single one is available to hire for as little as £1.67 (if renting three for five pounds). If you’re a student, a carer, a teenager, a teacher, a nurse, or a bonus bagging banker, you can browse over a hundred years of cinema history for a minimal price – and return them at your leisure.

Tell us why customers like coming to you. Why do they choose your business over others?

One key reason is the desire to be social. Watching movies has become a very solitary pastime, with streaming platforms even encouraging the use of separate user accounts for each family to seemingly exacerbate our isolation. It shouldn’t be that way. We’re living through a mental health crisis in the UK right now, and our dependence on ‘convenience shopping’ has had a major impact on the erosion of small local shops and our neighbourhood communities in general. Many customers simply enjoy the act of browsing. Chatting about films. Sharing recommendations with each other. It makes many of them feel part of something and enables them to play a vital role in a movement that keeps physical media alive. Aside from that, many simply prefer to shop local, instead of lining the pockets of mega corporations.

BROMBOROUGH FLOWERS

The shop opened in 2019

What’s your name?

Pauline Bartlett

What’s the name of the business?

Bromborough Flowers

What’s the address?

120 Allport Road, Bromborough, Wirral, Merseyside, CH62 6AQ

Are you the owner/manager?

I’m the owner

When did you open the business?

In 2019

The team at Bromborough Flowers

Tell me a bit about your business. What do you do? What services do you provide?

We specialise in crafting beautiful, custom made floral arrangements for every occasion, from weddings and anniversaries to birthdays and corporate events. Our skilled florists are passionate about flowers and committed to providing the freshest blooms, sourced locally and internationally. We can create custom floral arrangements, wedding flowers and flowers for corporate events as well as sympathy flowers and seasonal bouquets. We deliver to Wirral and the surrounding area and offer engaging workshops and classes. At Bromborough Flowers, we are dedicated to making every moment special with the perfect floral touch.

Why did you decide to open your own business?

I decided to open Bromborough Flowers because I have a lifelong passion for flowers and the joy flowers bring to people’s lives. I've always been inspired by the natural beauty of blooms and the artistry involved in arranging them. After more than 40 years of working in the floral industry, opening my first shop at 17, and then gaining extensive and professional experience, I felt the time was right to bring the brand to where I could share my vision and creativity with the local community in Bromborough. Starting Bromborough Flowers was not just about fulfilling a dream but also about contributing to the local community, supporting local growers, and fostering a love for flowers in others. It's incredibly rewarding to see the smiles and happiness that our floral creations bring, and that is the true motivation behind opening this shop, as well as being able to support local charitable communities along the way with our fundraising events.

What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

Owning my own business allows me to offer personalised services and high-quality products tailored to my customers’ needs. It gives me the freedom to innovate and bring fresh ideas to the floral market. More importantly, it provides an opportunity to build lasting relationships with clients and be a part of their special moments, from joyous celebrations to offering comfort during difficult times. We pride ourselves on having solid relationships with our customers, many of whom have become good friends.

One of Pauline's stunning bouquets

Why do loyal customers return to your business?

Loyal customers return to Bromborough Flowers for several reasons. We offer exceptional quality and personalised service and our designs are creative. We are reliable and have a great connection with the local community. There’s always a friendly welcome at the shop and we have an easy ordering service as well as cater for a variety of budgets. By consistently exceeding expectations and fostering a genuine connection with our customers, we feel that Bromborough Flowers has become a trusted and beloved part of the local community.

What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?

We will be working our way through the busy summer wedding season, and then be moving towards our autumn and Christmas periods. The next few months at Bromborough Flowers will be filled with exciting plans and growth opportunities which we are putting the final touches to and will announce soon to everyone.

MURPHY & MILES

Murphy & Miles

What’s your name?

John Murphy

What’s the name of the business?

Murphy & Miles Art & Antiques

What’s the address?

89 Banks Road, West Kirby, CH48 0RB

When did you open?

Opened Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Tell me a bit about your business. What do you do? What services do you provide?

Murphy & Miles Art & Antiques is a charming shop located in West Kirby specialising in original artwork and antiques.

Owner John Murphy, who opened the business last year

Why did you decide to open your own business?

Owners John Murphy and Miles Ferneyhough opened Murphy & Miles Art & Antiques in May 2023 - a dream they had been nurturing. The shop is owned by John, and when a long-standing tenant gave their notice, John and Miles saw it as the perfect opportunity to finally open their own gallery.

Sadly, Miles passed away in August 2023 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite this heart breaking loss, John has continued to run the gallery with dedication and passion. The gallery has become a success, attracting art and antique enthusiasts, and interior designers from near and far.

What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

As you step into Murphy & Miles, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, with beautiful displays of artwork and antiques lining the walls and shelves. The gallery is filled with a diverse range of items, from antique furniture and collectibles to contemporary paintings and sculptures.

One of the highlights of Murphy & Miles is their selection of original artwork. Whether you are looking for a striking oil painting, a delicate watercolour, or a modern abstract piece, you are sure to find something that catches your eye. The gallery features works by both established and up-and-coming artists, offering a mix of styles and mediums to suit every taste.

In addition to the impressive art collection, Murphy & Miles also offers a wide range of antiques, mid-century art glass and bronze sculptures. The gallery prides itself on sourcing high-quality, authentic antiques, ensuring that each piece has a unique story to tell.

Why do loyal customers return to your business?

Owner John is immensely grateful for the support of the local community and loyal customers who have embraced Murphy & Miles.