Where to shop in Sheen this Christmas
By Sue Lancaster
Christmas is creeping up quicker than most of us would like to admit, and if you haven’t already done so, now’s the time to start thinking about what gifts to buy. These days most people tend to rely on the internet for their Christmas shopping—when it comes to seeking out bargains online, I’m as guilty as the rest. However, if you’re after something truly unique for that special someone in your life, it might be difficult to find on the web.
East Sheen in southwest London has a collection of independent shops that sell an array of interesting one-of-a-kind products. With more and more shops closing down at the hands of burgeoning chain stores, it’s important to support the local high street, even if it does mean spending a little more. As the Guardian pointed out last year, for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business, 63p stays in the local economy; with a bigger business that amount shrinks to a paltry 40p. Plus, I think there is something deeply satisfying about browsing in an actual shop—seeing the product, smelling it, feeling it in your hands—that you can’t get online.
Here are a few of my favourite East Sheen gift shops:
Oh Darling!
A lovely independently owned boutique selling a range of beauty products, gifts, clothes, cards, books and more. The owner and her friendly dogs are more than happy to help if you need gift inspiration. Plus, there’s a beauty salon attached to the shop downstairs, so you could even treat yourself, or someone special, to a pampering session.
Sheen Living
A furniture boutique stocking bucketloads of interesting things for the home, including re-upholstered chairs, cushions, candles and a wall full of clocks. It’s always a pleasure to pop in and have a browse when I’m passing by and they’ve currently got lots of lovely Christmas bits in stock.
Sheen Bookshop
Sheen Bookshop’s shelves are squeezed full of new releases, bestsellers, old classics, local authors and children’s books. There’s something quite beautiful about browsing in a proper bookshop and smelling that distinctive new-book smell as you flick through the pages. The shop also carries a few gifts and toys, plus a range of gorgeous greetings cards and wrapping paper.
Butikken
This Scandinavian shop stocks a selection of stylish products by Scandinavian designers. From candles to cushions, ceramics to scarves, it is a real treasure trove of Danish delights. At this time of year, the shop has lots of pretty decorations and Christmas gift ideas too. Some of it’s quite pricey, but you can tell that the products are superb quality and one-of-a-kind.
The Long Room
A little shop packed full of original vintage gifts, furniture and home decorations. Previous gift purchases have included a vintage map of Vietnam costing £30 and a champagne bucket made from tin for just £10. I’ve also got my eye on the beautiful 1950s dolls house, which is currently on display in the window.
Pandemonium
If you’ve got kids to buy for, then make a beeline for Pandemonium. It’s everything you could possibly want from a toyshop: floor-to-ceiling shelves crammed full of books, games, toys and puzzles. It caters for all ages and price ranges, from small stocking fillers to giant construction sets. It has lots of lovely wooden toys too, which I now seem to have quite a few of in my home!
A Party Palace
Slightly further along the Upper Richmond Road, but definitely worth the walk. Not just for Halloween—book your sitter now for New Year’s Eve—it’s your one-stop-shop for all things party, from helium-filled balloons to fancy dress costumes.
The nearest train station to all of these shops is Mortlake on Sheen Lane. There are also regular buses that run along Upper Richmond Road heading towards Putney or Richmond and beyond.
About the author:
An Essex girl, Sue came to London 12 years ago and never left. She moved to West Kensington with her now-husband, then spent a couple of years living in Stamford Brook, before finally settling down in Mortlake. Prior to becoming a mum, Sue worked in TV production. She now stays at home, looking after toddler Tabitha and writing whenever she can.
