Storm Cat grows into a bigger Cannon Street home in Preston

Preston's independent shopping scene got a welcome boost in February 2025 when Storm Cat reopened in a bigger shop on Cannon Street. The new premises at 41 Cannon Street are just a few doors from the original store, which opened in 2023.

Storm Cat began life focused purely on vintage clothing. Over its first two years, though, owner Roxanne found that demand was growing for other things too, particularly pin badges, earrings and iron-on badges, and the original shop was simply running out of space.

The move was a sign of how quickly the business had found its audience. In 2024 Storm Cat was nominated for Independent Retailer of the Year at Preston's High Street Heroes Awards, recognition that it had already become a valued part of the city centre.

The larger shop also allows Roxanne to try something new. The idea is for customers to be able to create their own custom patchwork clothing, drawing inspiration from alternative shopping institutions such as Affleck's in Manchester.

It is a concept that fits neatly with the appeal of vintage. Rather than buying something new and identical, shoppers can give pre-loved pieces a fresh personality, mixing patches and badges to make clothes that are unmistakably their own.

The reopening itself was planned as a party, with a disco and DJ, a game of bingo and goody bags for visitors, setting a fun and friendly tone for the shop's next chapter.

Cannon Street has long been known for its independent boutiques, and Storm Cat adds a playful, creative edge to the mix. It is the kind of place where a quick browse can easily turn into an afternoon of rummaging and chatting. Vintage shopping is also a more sustainable way to dress, keeping good clothes in circulation for longer, and a shop that encourages customers to customise and personalise those clothes gives that idea a creative twist. Storm Cat's growth shows there is a real appetite for it in Preston.

Storm Cat can be found at 41 Cannon Street in Preston city centre. Calling in is the best way to see the latest vintage finds and badges, and to ask about the patchwork clothing idea.