A host of Leeds' best lockdown success stories are coming together for a festive shopping event this month at this small business Christmas event.
In Leeds, we’re pretty passionate about supporting small businesses. After all, we do have a spectacular selection of bakeries, bars, gift shops, designers, creatives and more on offer in the city.
If you want to shop local for your presents this year and keep some money in the local economy, you need to check out this Christmas small business event.
Hosted by The Savvy Baker at Oaktree Business Park, some of the city's finest small producers will be in tow selling top-notch treats to make your Christmas extra special.
Think peanut butter melted Snowmen doughnuts with Reese's cup hats, specialty cheeses from the Cheesy Living Co, adorable dog treats from doggy pick and mix service Pick n Tricks. prints by local illustrator Emily Render and loads more.
Elsewhere, you'll be able to find handmade baubles and stylish garms from local maker Lucie the Label: resin coaster, keyrings, and more by The Resin Room; small-batch hot sauce from local makers Thiccsauce and loads more.
Image: Pick n TreatsCoasters from The Resin Room / Image: The Resin Room
There'll also be coffee from Humbl coffee and the signature gooey, chocolate-filled brownies from the Savvy Baker team.
Taking place on Saturday 11 December, the Christmas Small Business event will run from 11am to 4pm and give shoppers the chance to get their hand on some extra special locally-made presents this year.
Sharing the news to social media, the Savvy Baker posted on Instagram:
"CHRISTMAS POP UP IS HERE!!! Saturday 11th December at the bakery.
"Catch some of your favs here, you can get some fab xmas pressies, cards, sweet treats, pizza, plants, Christmas cheese, doggy pressies and more!!!! Not one to miss."
Feature image - The Savvy Baker / Pick n Treats
News
Retail giant Uniqlo delays opening date for new Leeds store
It's official, Uniqlo is making its way to Leeds. Well, it's about time isn't it?
You may remember last June that murmurings of Uniqlo opening in Leeds were happening.
The news spread after planning documents appeared for new ‘Uniqlo’ signage on the Store House building on Briggate.
We've been keeping our fingers crossed that the news was actually true, and it is.
Uniqlo themselves have confirmed that three new stores will be popping up across the UK over the next two years, with one of them being right here in Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their first store of the roll-out opened in Birmingham's Bullring, followed by a new store in Bristol this year.
Leeds was also meant to open this year, but unfortunately, Uniqlo has announced things are delayed and its opening will be pushed into 2027.
The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site.
CGI mockups from firms Thirty One Design and Ink Associates include the glass fronted store with Uniqlo’s signature red signage hanging above the door and off the building.
These will be made from sheet metal with a “sprayed finish” – sounds pretty swanky if you ask us.
Uniqlo UK COO Alessandro Dudech stated: "Uniqlo remains committed to strengthening its presence within the UK retail sector by expanding both our physical store network and ecommerce capabilities nationwide.
"As part of this strategic initiative, we look forward to introducing Uniqlo to the communities and visitors in the North of England, at the new Leeds location and simultaneously reaching customers in the South West in Bristol's Cabot Circus.".
Uniqlo is known for its affordable and minimalist clothing, stocking everything from raincoats and puffer jackets to jeans and a wide range of accessories.
We’ll keep you updated on the timeframe, as to be honest we’re just as excited as you are to be welcoming Uniqlo to the high street.
Police urgently appeal after teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over the bank holiday weekend.
West Yorkshire Police explained that officers were called out to Roundhay Road at around at 6:05pm on Monday 31 August following reports that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed, and once they arrived on the scene, the victim was located and subsequently taken to hospital, where he received treatment for an injury described as non-life-threatening.
Police say the incident occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival, but are keen to assure the public that they believe this was an 'isolated and targeted' act.
Following further enquiries, it is now believed that the actual offence occurred on Shepherd’s Lane, potentially near the junction with Back Hares Avenue.
Investigating officers have released information on the suspect and identified several people they are keen to speak to.
As the police investigation is ongoing, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Hartley commented: "This is clearly a concerning incident in which a young teenage boy has suffered a significant stab wound.
"We have extensive enquiries ongoing, including house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV. We are conscious though that this offence has occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival and there will have been a large number of people in the vicinity who may not necessarily be from the Chapeltown area.
“The suspect for this offence is described as being male, around 15-16 years-old and was wearing a balaclava. He was with two girls. We are keen to speak to anyone who believes they may have seen this group in the area or who witnessed any part of this incident.
"Although this was a serious incident, our enquiries so far suggest it was an isolated and targeted act... [and] we remain focused on identifying those responsible and providing reassurance to the community."
Can you help? Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds CID online, or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260496572.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Georgina Pellant -
7th December 2021 
