During late 2008 and 2009, a huge amount of staff and director time was spent researching the viability of purchasing the local shop in Hillswick as a community-run business.

The Hillswick Shop is a community enterprise owned by NCDC and operated by a board made up of local community members.

The shop has always been a hugely important part of the Northmavine Community, and in 2009, its closure was met with an upsurge of community enthusiasm to buy and run it. After a major fundraising effort and grants from various bodies, the shop was bought and renovated and has been run successfully ever since. By the community, for the community.

Like its fellow community shop in Ollaberry, the Hillswick Shop supplies petrol and diesel, hardware and general goods, and food and drink of all kinds.

Fresh fish, meat and bakery products are delivered throughout the week. A range of frozen goods through an arrangement with the national chain Iceland brings much of the choice available to southern customers right into the heart of Hillswick.