FAIR's second anniversary

Today I am going to hand over to a guest blogger as one of our local shops, FAIR, is celebrating its second anniversary today....

As I wandered around the North Laine in the early nineties, I realised immediately there was something extra special about the Brighton retail scene.

I spent my teenage years in 1980ʼs Buffalo, NY selecting amazing clothes from the 50ʼs and 60ʼs in huge warehouse charity shops. Coming to Brighton, clothes were bright and shocking and the second-hand scene was thriving - arguably even ahead of NY vintage.

With not a lot of money in my pocket, there seemed nothing better than to walk around and check out the shops (as well as lets be honest, the other shoppers!). A feast for the eye, and full of wonderful style, quirkiness and creativity, some of the independents here happily remain the same as they were when I first arrived.

Three of my personal favourites are Rin-Tin-Tin for a laid-back look at retro, Appendage with its amazing array of Brighton creative genius, and Infinity Foods where food shopping has never been healthier, and a happy air of community camaraderie mixes with the Brighton cool.

I never imagined then that one day Iʼd be lucky enough to own a shop in the same area that I fell in love with all those years ago.

Here I am checking out our summer recycled sari stocksold at one of our summer markets.

My name is Siobhan Wilson, owner of FAIR. For those of you who are yet to discover us - we are at 21 Queens Road strictly speaking on the northern boundary of the North Laine. From Brighton Train Station walk on the right-hand side down Queens Rd and you will see our window that we like to think is inviting and distinctive. (If you reach the Clock Tower, youʼll know youʼve gone too far!)

We cater for people that love great clothing, but who also love life, respect other people and care for the environment. We choose only the things that we believe Brighton customers will appreciate too! The refreshing difference is that everything we stock is Fair Trade.

Itʼs true - the customers who choose to shop at FAIR choose to wear beautiful clothing, enjoy the comfort of sleeping in organic cotton bedding, customise with lovely accessories and jewellery, pamper themselves with beautifully scented toiletries, delight in gifts, cards and wrapping paper that are all lovely in their own right. And even more wonderful when they stop to consider the products are all hand crafted by people living in poverty working to earn a better life for themselves and their families...Our customers make a positive impact with every purchase!

I personally visit some of the groups which make some of the items we sell. I can see potential purchases first hand, and then work with local designers who help refine designs that we know our customers will appreciate. Other products we stock are made by groups that people close to me are working with. We also select designer labels whose credentials meet our high standards, both in terms of their design, intrinsic value and Fair Trade practice. And yet ʻweʼ are a tiny team of just three.

Any day of the week thereʼs a lot we do that we are passionate and excited about, so weʼre always keen to celebrate...!!

Today though, is a special day for us here at FAIR - itʼs our second anniversary of trading. Yay!! So thanks to the VisitBrighton Team for letting us share our delight on Monday 15 November 2010 with you, and thanks for reading my LoveBrighton guest blog.

Hereʼs our ʻbirthday cardʼ to invite you to receive 10% off at FAIR in November & December. You may see this card soon in and around places in Brighton (and Hove) that we love. If so, please bring it along to receive your discount. Or print off this page. Naturally the discount doesnʼt apply on our gift vouchers or our charity cards. Nor in conjunction with another offer.

Hope thatʼs given blog readers another reason to LoveBrighton.
Come and live fair, love fair, be fair!!