The British high street hasn't had the easiest time of late. Beloved shops have closed, favourite haunts have gone ‘online-only’, and every day more independents are bought up by corporate behemoths. To survive in such a world, great design and a commitment to quality must be kept at the forefront of the business. We all know brands like Soho Home, Oka and John Lewis are doing just that, but who are the underrated retailers quietly making really great homewares?
Garden Trading
Garden Trading's name is rather misleading, as it is a surprisingly good resource for well-priced, pleasingly designed accessories, textiles and furniture. I recently bought an enamel measuring jug from there which I adore and which represented quite a bargain. I'd quite like the stove kettle now. - Christabel Chubb
Robert Dyas
I have had a long and satisfying relationship with Robert Dyas stores. It might sound like an odd way to beat stress, but I find browsing the cookware and kitchenware very soothing. It is like entering a world of endless culinary and storage possibilities. I never make jam, but I love the idea that I could buy everything I might need in one place should I ever decide to take it up – from preserve labels and muslin squares to replacement seals for the Kilner jars I inherited from my mother. I will never purchase a ‘Gardelle Manual Apple Scratter Pulper Pomace’, but I like the thought that someone will one day spot one in a Robert Dyas store and think, 'That is just what I need to deal with my apple glut.' And perhaps one day I will succumb to the temptation to find out whether the Crimpit Wrap can really fulfil its marketing promises. - Caroline Bullough
Dunelm
It has to be Dunelm. Its out-of-town stores may not seem like the hippest place to buy homeware, but they are a treasure trove of well-priced furnishings and accessories – from ombré ruched lampshades to faux lacquer trays – as well as practical items like cookware and storage baskets. It has a good website that I use for research in advance of any visit, as sometimes you have to search out the best items and I would recommend checking the quality in store. - Caroline Bullough
I often find myself perusing Dunelm for the kind of decorative accessories that can be surprisingly expensive elsewhere, like photo frames and plant pots. We've sung the praises of their bedding before, but they also do quite a good line in various soft furnishings, like cushion covers and tablecloths – perfect for when you need a colourful refresh but can't spend too much money. Currently I've got my eye on these matelasse cushion covers from a new collection – the heavy fabric means they'll look much more expensive than £14! - Virginia Clark
Muji
It definitely falls in the underrated rather than uncool category, but I always find myself heading to Muji for various storage needs. Its range of polypropylene containers is pretty much unbeatable, whether you're looking for large stackable drawers or smaller trays and baskets, which I love to use inside kitchen and bathroom cupboards for things like washing up utensils or toothbrushing paraphernalia (the smallest sizes also make great, easily wipeable makeup palettes if you're in the market for one). I've also heard good things about their electric diffusers if you're looking for a new home scent this year. - Rose Washbourn
Flying Tiger
Flying Tiger is dismissed as novelty retail but it often offers homewares that with their bold, graphic designs offer functionality without the self-seriousness. (Not to mention they're easy on the wallet too). - Aida Amoako
Homesense
Whenever I head back to the Midlands, I can’t help but feel a magnetic pull toward every retail park within a five-mile radius, Homesense firmly in my crosshairs. Yes, it takes patience - and a willingness to dig through the odd mountain of tat - but the payoff is worth it. Look beyond the embarrassingly large toy-car style trolleys and candles so sweet one sniff will require a root canal and there are actually some decent finds to be had. Coined kingdom of crushed grey velvet, look past the diamanté leopards perched like predators, and you will be rewarded by a wealth of affordable homeware. A guilty pleasure I can’t refuse. - Max Summerton
TK Maxx
I'm a TK Maxx fiend. As their stock is all past-season and excess stock from companies that would otherwise send these products to god-knows-where, I feel like they're a high-street 'goodie'. I get a lot of perishables there; bubble bath, bath salts, suncream, olive oils as well as useful bits like dog bags that are otherwise easiest to purchase through Amazon. I've picked up plenty for my kitchen over the years too from decent saucepans to useful utensils and not to mention towels and bedding on a good day! It's like the beauty of a bootsale without having to thoroughly wash your hands afterwards. - Rémy Mishon
And don't forget to look in your local hardware shop…
I'm not sure this counts as an underrated high street shop, but I think my local hardware store is a goldmine. Stick blender breaks in the middle of making soup? Hardware store. Watch battery dies? Hardware store. New trainers need insoles? Hardware store. Bin lid blows away in a storm? Hardware store. Sometimes I go in there just for fun. I wander around and browse the shelves for surprises, the latest of which included incense, dinosaur stickers and shot glasses. Things are more expensive than they would be on Amazon, but the financial loss is compensated for by the treasure trove experience (and the smugness of supporting a small business). - Gwen Brown
