Independents - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Harpers 30 Under 30 finalist invests in bricks and mortar

Published: 22 November, 2024

Entrepreneur, cheese enthusiast and media personality Jessica Summer has opened her first shop and bar in the London Borough of Harrow.

Indie retailers warn against new employee rights as Starmer vows to ‘rip up the rulebook’ on bureaucracy

Published: 15 October, 2024

The government’s proposed ‘biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation’ could stifle job creation in independent shops and place further financial pressures on already struggling retailers, the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has warned.

Indie collaboration

Published: 02 October, 2024

With costs up and margins squeezed, Andrew Catchpole assesses the pros and cons of sharing on smaller shipments of wine.

Indies: The generation game

Published: 30 August, 2024

With a generational fall-off hitting the trade, Andrew Catchpole looks at what steps indie merchants are taking to pull in younger punters.

Indie retailers face down living wage increases

Published: 28 August, 2024

The National President of the Fed (Federation of Independent Retailers) has written to the new Secretary of State for Business and Trade to highlight the impact of higher wages on smaller businesses.

Amathus to open first Wine Warehouse in South West London

Published: 21 August, 2024

Amathus, the drinks importer, distributor and retailer, is expanding its retail presence from nine to 14 locations, with the introduction of its first Wine Warehouse in East Sheen, South West London.

Luvians wins 31 Days of German Riesling campaign

Published: 21 August, 2024

For the thirteenth year running, July saw the UK trade dedicating the month to German Riesling, with 135 venues nationwide participating in a series of events, including German Riesling masterclasses, in-store promotions, wine dinners and social media initiatives.

Indies: Buying independence

Published: 02 August, 2024

James Lawrence looks to the evolving role of indie buying groups in response to recent trends.

Indies: Retail only, please…

Published: 01 July, 2024

James Lawrence finds that ‘hybrid’ wine shops with a food and drink-in offer are not always a panacea.

Indies: Tricky customers

Published: 05 June, 2024

In the second of our spring indie surveys, Andrew Catchpole invited feedback on service and the foibles of the punter.

Yapp hops county for new home

Published: 31 May, 2024

Yapp Brothers is to leave it’s Wiltshire HQ this month for new premises in Somerset, marking a milestone in the company’s 55-year history,

WSTA seeks independent retailers’ views on ending wine duty easement

Published: 29 May, 2024

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is calling on independent retailers to participate in a brief survey regarding the scheduled end of the temporary wine duty easement next February. This measure, introduced in August 2023 as part of the government's alcohol duty review, allows wines with an alcohol content between 11.5% and 14.5% abv to be taxed at a standardised rate of 12.5% abv. Once the easement ends, wines will be taxed based on their actual alcoholic strength.

Inside Berry Bros. & Rudd's new Spirits Shop

Published: 28 March, 2024

After over one hundred years of being a wine-front merchant, a spirits fascia bearing the name Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) is days away from opening to the public on the hallowed pavements of St James’.

A Wapping good retailer

Published: 04 March, 2024

Andrew Catchpole drops in on ‘H’ at east London’s very individual Wapping Wines.

French champions recognised for UK service

Published: 07 February, 2024

Daniel Lambert Wines, Waitrose and The Wine Society were among some of the big winners at The French Champion Awards organised and hosted by Business France.

50 Best Indies 2024: The full rundown

Published: 15 January, 2024

Meet our 50 Best Indies 2024, celebrating the most dynamic and quality focused merchants in this ever-vibrant sector

50 Best Indies 2024 ranking: Top 10 revealed

Published: 12 January, 2024

Today we conclude the rollout of our 50 Best Indies 2024 results with a recording of the live unveiling of our Top 10 indie merchants, who joined us at Wild by Tart in London, unveiling the best in the business in the UK.

Indies: The rise of Chanctonbury Wines

Published: 12 January, 2024

To round off 2023, Andrew Catchpole heads to new indie Chanctonbury Wines, where young gun Rob Maynard has swapped restaurant life for shop retail.

50 Best Indies 2024 ranking: 20-11 revealed

Published: 11 January, 2024

This week we continue the rollout of our 50 Best Indies 2024 results, celebrating the top merchants from across this dynamic and ever-engaging sector

50 Best Indies 2024 ranking: 30-21 revealed

Published: 10 January, 2024

This week we continue the rollout of our 50 Best Indies 2024 results, celebrating the top merchants from across this dynamic and ever-engaging sector.