Discover more about RE; the eclectic Northumberland-based lifestyle and homeware brand
IMAGE: [LEFT] VERDIGRIS CHRISTMAS WREATH, £35; [RIGHT] DELFT TILE JACQUARD WOVEN THROW, £150; BOTH FROM RE
There aren’t many shops that can boast stocking everything from old wooden sledges to glass skull decorations, recycled plastic dusters, colourful Peruvian Christmas decorations and French enamel jugs that come from far and wide; from Kenya to Guatemala, the Philippines to Bangladesh.
The mainstays that permeate everything in RE, the eclectic lifestyle and home accessories store, is their commitment to recycling, reusing, restoring and respecting the environment. And it’s these credentials that make them our latest Brand We Love.
RE is the brainchild of former fashion designers Jenny Vaughan and Simon Young who originally set up shop in a converted industrial workshop in Corbridge, Northumberland, in 2003. Two years later they launched their online store and the popularity of their colourful, creative and ethical products has soared ever since.
They have never used plastic bags in store, all of their packaging is paper-based and, as far as possible, their products are environmentally friendly, fairtrade and made from sustainable materials that are reusable or compostible. Think twine made from recycled sari fabric, vintage enamel tins and fairtrade palm brushes.
Jenny and Simon have also designed and developed their own range of products, under the REgd. label made by local crafts people or manufacturers around the world who produce beautiful products fairly and ethically. These include their multi-coloured reed cushions hand-woven in the Philippines, their jacquard woven blankets made in Scotland and their trademark brightly coloured fairtrade baskets made in Guatemala from recycled plastic.
“The predominant feeling at RE is one of fun and exuberance – bright colours and interesting textures abound. Handcrafted items combined with the mass produced and second hand pieces mean there’s something for everyone,” says Jenny and Simon.
“It’s not only the products that make RE a destination that customers want to visit, there’s a high priority on customer service with a small team of six and always someone on the shop floor to chat to. We want people to be comfortable here and have an interesting experience, even if people don’t buy anything we want them to leave with a smile on their face.”
IMAGE: [LEFT] METAL FLORAL CANDLESTICKS, FROM £5; [MIDDLE] FAIRTRADE LARGE WOVEN BASKETS, FROM £14.50; [RIGHT] GOLD BUNCH OF LEAVES CHRISTMAS DECORATION, £3.50, ALL FROM RE
IMAGE: [LEFT] WIRE LEAF GARLAND, £12.50; [MIDDLE] FAIRTRADE PALM BRUSH, £3; [RIGHT] GLASS FRAMED MILAGROS, FROM £18.50; ALL FROM RE
Ready to shop? Discover more of the brands we love here.
