Have a conscious Christmas with Sancho’s on Fore Street

As we move into another frenzied Christmas shopping period, have you ever taken time to really think about what you’re buying and why?

It can feel like a time of immense media and societal pressure to buy, buy, buy. But there is another way to look at it.

Exploring Exeter were invited to Sanchos as they prepared to launch their Conscious Christmas campaign which asks consumers to consider what they’re buying before purchasing. To ask themselves – does the recipient really want or need this? And will it last longer than a month? And if they do really do want or need it, and there’s a sustainable, ethical option to spend your hard-earned cash on, then that’s a big step towards a more conscious Christmas.

The event at Sanchos was also an opportunity to learn more about some of their products, where they come from, how they are made and why Sanchos has chosen to stock them. Fresh from their photoshoot on a Christmas Tree farm for their Christmas campaign (look out for this in the store and across their social media platforms), Kalkidan Legesse shared the provenance of their some of the
products they stock.

Their colourful beanie hats are made for Sancho’s in Exeter by a group of volunteers from Age UK Exeter. These not only provide valuable funds for the charity but importantly provides social opportunities for vulnerable locals to get together to knit and chat! Warm ears and warm hearts!

Excitingly, on the night, a new range of jewellery, exclusive to Sancho’s was unveiled. Anne, who also works in the shop, has designed a range of beautiful brass necklaces and earrings. The inspiration for them came from natural shapes and how we evolve as individuals throughout our lives, They’re very
organics shapes, quite delicate and in beautiful navy, teal, red and yellow hues.

Her designs were prototyped here in the UK and manufactured in Peru. They’ll be available in store from next week – hopefully, Santa will think I’ve been good this year!

I asked about the Lucy and Yak Dungarees which I am always seeing around Exeter. They were conceived as an idea in a camper van and then brought to life by a tailor in Rajasthan, India. They are still made there in an ethical way, creating better lives for the families involved in their production.

As we hit this chilly patch and move truly into winter, I was drawn to the beautiful 100% wool jumpers made by Kumbeshwar Technical School in Nepal. The organisation was established to assist the local Pode community of street sweepers – as a caste of untouchables, who had been denied educational opportunities and now employs 2,500 artisans produce hand knitted and embroidered garments for People Tree. 

So if you need a little bit of conscious calm in the sea of festive materialism, take time to pop down Fore Street and into Sanchos in the next few weeks. As well as clothes and jewellery they stock a beautiful range of scented candles, handmade bootees, lovely things for the home such as mugs and baskets, as well stocking fillers at Secret Santa prices!

Sanchos women’s is 117 Fore Street and the men’s shop is 126 Fore Street.

Sancho’s are on Instagram at @wowsancho

About the Author:

Shelley Kelly grew up in Scotland and holidayed in the southwest with her family every year. Those childhood experiences stayed with her and she moved to Devon in 2001 to live nearer the sea. Now Exeter is most definitely home. Shelley loves the outdoors and recently completed the South West Coast Path and finds tranquillity of being surrounded by nature or swimming in the sea keeps her sane! 

Shelley qualified as a German teacher, has worked for the Scottish Tourist Board, a Holiday rep and more recently in Human Resources in organisations in and around Exeter.

Shelley has a passion for fashion – but in a way that focuses on style and wellbeing; it’s about feeling incredible just as much as looking incredible – We all deserve that!