Big Corporation Domination
We’re really not into the domination of soulless corporate big business. The only way to combat this and promote diversity on our high streets and online is to support the independent creatives. Yes, it may cost a little more but there are good reasons for this.
Surely it’s nicer to buy one lovely gift for each person you love from an independent shop, local business or maker, rather than several mass-produced items?
The power of Black Friday really hits the independent creatives hard which makes us really sad ? Let’s not forget them this Christmas!
Why it feels good to buy from Independent Creatives
Buying small and independently means buying into the passion, talent and creative vision.
By supporting independent creatives you are offering them the opportunity to thrive and be proud of their craft and not confined by the size of their business.
By actively seeking out independent businesses you will encourage them to follow their dreams and try new things.
As a customer, you will, in turn, feel good about spending your hard earned cash on lovingly made products, goods and businesses.
Just A Card – Indie Week
If you’re on Instagram then this has probably popped up on your feed this week. They are flying and gaining momentum every day! What a joy to see the support this campaign is getting. If you don’t know what we’re talking about then check it out and get involved!
Join us to celebrate the thousands of wonderfully creative independents that need every little purchase and not forget that these gems rely on our trade to survive! This campaign is all about encouraging people to SHOP INDEPENDENT THIS CHRISTMAS.
Forget Black Friday …(boo ..hiss) – its’ all about JUST A CARD – INDIE WEEK
Let’s work together to celebrate small businesses in the run-up to Christmas – and remind everyone to shop ‘independent’ this year.
Shop Local This Christmas
We are lucky to live in town and county that is bursting with independent creatives, fuelled by ideas and passion. There are lots of small independent shops in Lewes, Brighton and surrounding East Sussex villages to browse. Regular events and open studios to visit too!
We love meeting independent creatives and learning about their product story, how a piece has been made and where. We love how they take the time to carefully hand-wrap purchases and maybe include a little handwritten note.
These are all the small things that the big companies can’t offer. It’s what makes the indies unique and different.
East Sussex Christmas Fairs & Open Houses
Our diary is full of Christmas Fairs and Open Houses coming up over the next couple of weekends.
Here’s our hit list!:
MADE BRIGHTON Saturday 24th November 10.30am – 5.30pm at St BARTHOLOMEW’S is running for a third year in the stunning St Bartholomew’s Church, Brighton. This show is a little different – whilst still showing the best makers in the country, the St Bartholomew’s fair will be a down to earth ‘Village Hall’ one day, table-top selling event.
CHARLESTON FROST FAIR 24th & 25th November 11am – 5pm Come and soak up the festive atmosphere in Charleston’s newly restored 18th-century barns. We have brought together some of the finest designers and makers for our Frost Fair. 30 carefully curated exhibitors will be selling highly covetable, beautifully crafted goods that would make perfect gifts for friends and family
ARTISTS & MAKERS Lewes Saturday, December 1st 10am – 5pm An annual arts and crafts fair held at the Town Hall Lewes, East Sussex.
CREATIVE DIFFERENCES Green Door Store Saturday 8th Dec 11am– 4pm We’ve picked some of our favourite creatives, from illustrators to record labels and everything in-between to guarantee you a varied melting pot of artistic talent! Not only that, there will be Workshops, DJ’s, Christmas decorations and plenty of mulled wine to go around… So why not get your Christmas Shopping done and support local businesses and independent craft!
NEW ENGLAND HOUSE OPEN STUDIOS Fri/Sat/Sun, 7/8/9 December 2018
64 SANDGATE OPEN HOUSE Brighton We started our Christmas shopping here last weekend. Beautiful artists and makers selling their gorgeous handcrafted products.
JEHANE’S CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Brighton ‘A treasure trove of contemporary art’ 24/25 Nov • 1/2 Dec 2018 11-5pm
