06 Dec 2025
If there’s one thing St Albans does brilliantly, it’s community. We’re a city full of people who care – about each other, about local causes, and about the independent businesses that give our neighbourhoods personality and heart.
And today (December 6), we get to celebrate all of that together with Small Business Saturday, the nationwide campaign championing the shops, makers and services that keep our high streets vibrant.
Last year, the Small Business Saturday tour bus made a special stop right here at EYES on St Albans in Marshalswick. The team came to experience the friendly chaos, the rock’n’roll, Jez’s frame-matching wizardry, and the steady stream of familiar faces popping in for everything from a glasses MOT to a chat.
It was a brilliant reminder of what makes small shops so special: the warmth, the character, and the proper human connection.
This year, we’re keeping that energy alive. Small Business Saturday is your chance to support the independents you want to see thrive into 2026. And if you’re thinking about refreshing your glasses, getting a spare pair, or finally treating yourself to something that feels a bit more… you – now is the perfect moment. December is naturally busy, so ordering early means your new glasses will be ready in time for Christmas celebrations, family photos and winter brightness.
But while you’re here in Marshalswick, it’s not just EYES you can support. Our little corner of St Albans is home to a whole network of small businesses who have been quietly grafting all year. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, picking up ingredients for dinner, booking something pampering, getting the kids’ hair sorted, getting your shoes mended or nipping into the bakery, every purchase helps keep this pocket of the city buzzing. Marshalswick is full of brilliant independents who would absolutely love your support on Small Business Saturday – and beyond.
And if you’re working your way through your Christmas list, you can genuinely do a lot of it right here. Inside EYES alone you’ll find:
- Heartwood Glass pieces handmade in Sandridge
- Secrid wallets
- EYES gift vouchers
- Kodes jewellery
- EYES giftable accessories
- Sunglasses for winter sun escapes
Everything is chosen because it’s beautifully made, built to last and a joy to give (or receive). No bundles, no gimmicks – just thoughtful gifts from small brands and local makers.
Small Business Saturday is about celebrating the 5.45 million small businesses in the UK. The ones who offer expertise – real expertise – from people who care about getting it right in every possible sector you can think of.
Whilst it’s somewhat terrifying there may be another Jez out there, we’re know there will be millions of folk on Small Business Saturday offering a similar level of personalised attention, care and commitment to their customers.
When you support small, you’re not just keeping shops open. You’re helping to maintain the fabric of a community. You’re investing in the people who show up to sponsor local causes, donate to charities, support sports clubs, run school raffles,
and make Marshalswick feel like home. You’re choosing to keep St Albans interesting, vibrant and full of character.
So this Small Business Saturday, why not make a little morning or afternoon of it? Wander around Marshalswick, pop into the independents, find those last few gifts, book your eye test, pick up that thing you’ve been meaning to sort, and enjoy the festive feeling that always seems to settle over the neighbourhood in December.
Every visit, every chat, every purchase – it all adds up. And it’ll help keep our community shining bright well into the new year.
