Indie’s Attic Westhoughton is one of Bolton’s best independent firms

Indie’s Attic, on Market Street in Westhoughton, has been shortlisted for The Bolton News’ Best Independent Retail Business Award 2026.

This is a moment the team describes as both “lovely” and “incredibly grateful.”

Most clothes are separated into colours. (Image: NQ)

Owners Claire Devlin and Kim Griffiths say the recognition feels like a meaningful reward for years of hard work and community support.

Claire said: “We’re very community‑focused. People say you shouldn’t become friends with your customers, but we absolutely have.

“We love being based here; there are still people discovering us for the first time, so we just want to keep spreading the word.”

The boutique, known for its warm atmosphere and stylish European brands, has grown significantly since Claire first launched it nearly ten years ago as a pop‑up from her home.

Claire and Kim outside of their shop. (Image: NQ)

A single parent at the time, she began selling at artisan markets before opening the Market Street shop in 2019.

Poster (Image: NQ)

What started as a small front‑room operation with around 50 products has now expanded into a thriving two‑floor boutique with hundreds of weekly orders.

Indie Attic has built a loyal customer base both in‑store and online.

The shop prides itself as tidy. (Image: NQ)

Every Wednesday, the boutique releases its weekly “drop”, a curated selection of new clothing from independent brands in Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands.

Customers often rush to order online before popping into the shop to collect their pieces and catch up with the team.

Claire added: “We focus on the brands that we sell that are a little bit different from the High Street. They’re really good quality, but they’re reasonably priced.”

Clothes at the shop. (Image: NQ)

The business continues to grow, with online sales rising, international orders increasing, and a rise in their customer return rate in the first quarter of this year.

Despite their success, Claire and her team remain committed to Westhoughton.

If they win, the team already has plans. A celebratory in‑store event to thank the community that helped them thrive.

To vote pick up a copy of the paper.