Christmas comes early in our October issue as indies around the country prepare for the festive season. Inside this month’s edition you’ll find indie-friendly gift ideas in our annual guide (pages 22-25) and our Christmas partywear edit with pieces that will retain their commercial appeal long after the decorations have come down (28-29).
Elsewhere, we ask the experts to share their top tips for getting ahead of peak trading (38-40). In his monthly column, Bira’s Andrew Goodacre also makes the case for using the September lull to get organised for the end of the year (52), while Clare Bailey offers insight on holding your nerve when it comes to starting your end of season sale (54).
This month we also reveal the Boutique Star Awards 2026 shortlist, which proves this industry is still finding ways to thrive amid increasingly pressurised conditions. This year we were inundated with entries and nominations, and it’s been as inspiring as ever to read all your submissions. Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter or nominate (full list on pages 10-11).
Finally, we head to Margate in Kent to meet Margaux owner Madeleine James. Find out how she curates an edit cool enough for the town’s creative crowd on pages 48-51.