Independent Leeds: initial research

Independent Leeds: shops/events that could feature within my wayfinding system
- village bookstore
- The Laynes (coffee shop)
- Hip store
- Blue Rinse
- Accent clothing 
- colours may vary (lifestyle)
- leeds print festival (events)

Village bookstore:
Independent book shop selling a variety of art and design magazines as well as self published zines.
Review: 
Village is good value for money with a wide selection of magazines and zines and is easily accessible due to its city centre location. The ability to purchase coffee whilst you shop creates a relaxing and inviting environment which is aided by the friendly and helpful staff. 

The Laynes:
Small unique coffee shop situated in the heart of Leeds city centre with excellent coffee and varied selection of baked goods provided by the Noisette Bakehouse. Laynes is currently expanding to accommodate its growing popularity. 
Review: 
The small nature of Laynes means it can get quite warm if siting inside, however this may no longer be a problem once the expansion is completed. The excellent coffee and salted caramel brownies make the Laynes a pleasant experience which is heightened by the friendly staff. 

Hip Store:
Independent mens clothing store since 1987 with a focus on premium clothing, as each piece sold is hand selected by the owners to ensure quality. The Hip Store is well located in Leeds city centre near Victoria Gate. 
Review:
Knowledgeable staff allow for a good shopping experience aided by the high quality of the clothing sold. 

Colours May Vary:
Lifestyle  and book shop with a focus on graphic design, illustration and product design Colours May Vary has a strong belief in providing high quality products as the owner will only sell a product if they would buy it themselves.
Review:
The contemporary interior create a pleasant and calming shopping experience which is aided by the carefully selected high quality products. The only downside to colours may vary is its location as it's situated a bit further out of the city centre than other shops. 

Leeds Print Festival:
Independent event to showcase talent of designers and illustrators from Leeds and from around the world. Throughout the festival you also have the opportunity to buy interesting and unique prints acting as an excellent opportunity for new designers to showcase there talent. Workshops are also held throughout the festival allowing the public to truly get involved with the festival.


East St Arts:
Independent art gallery based in Leeds with studios across Leeds that allows new talent to showcase there work but also provides studio space to allow artist to develop and grow. 
Review:
New ann interesting exhibitions that showcase up and coming talent within leeds with a great location which is easily accessible in the heart of Leeds. 

Leeds Print Workshop:
Printing studio based in Leeds city centre with a mission to establish and maintain a vibrant, supportive and sustainable printmaking community. The workshop is open to everyone as well as professionals and offers a series of printmaking classes. Leeds Print Workshops has links to East St Arts and is made up of a committee of fine artists, teachers, graphic designers and illustrators.