Faversham Life
Faversham Life
Words Amicia de Moubray Photographs Various
Hurrah for Faversham Unlisted, an imaginative new online market place highlighting the very best of the town’s independent shops and craftspeople. Launched on 3rd December it has taken off with great gusto. ‘It is an indie Etsy for Faversham, offering shoppers a unique way of buying local while expanding into a broader market,’ says Lucy Guthrie, one of the four founders, all residents of Faversham. ‘Faversham is a destination for people who want to buy items of quality, innovation, or uniqueness.’
Food hamper brimming with local produce £80
The second lockdown prompted the idea. ‘Not all the town’s traders have an online presence. We were worried that shoppers would abandon them when and if they re-opened, having become accustomed to purchasing online.’
9ct gold and opal pendant from Barkers of Faversham
As well as the much loved independent shops such as Apotheca, Creekside Vinyl , Juniper and Bliss and Barkers of Faversham, the website also includes many items created by the town’s talented artisan producers. ‘We don’t think people always appreciate what is happening here under their noses. There are wonderful little gems of sophisticated productivity tucked away down side streets.’
Concrete candlestick £10 from Forest & Twine
A quick glance at the website demonstrates that there is a rich wealth of choice for the discerning shopper. There are more than 100 items available all carefully chosen by Lucy and her colleagues from more than 25 local businesses – from £10 handmade concrete candle holders to very attractive £2,100 pink zircon and aquamarine earrings from Barkers to a large choice of guitars from E Music, attractive £49.99 log baskets from Barley Mow, a host of beauty gift vouchers and products gathered from several sources. There are even gift experiences to be bought from Mount Ephraim Gardens, Joe’s Bows Country Sports and personal fitness sessions.
Vouchers to visit Mount Ephraim Gardens
‘I jumped at the chance to be involved. Not only do I get to be part of a real community with fellow local business owners but it gives my brand a chance to reach a wider audience with increased marketing and advertising. Consequently, I will have more time to design and develop new products,’ says Carla van der Meer who runs Poppekins, specialising in colourful homewares.
Follow Your Dreams tea towel £12.50 from Poppekins
Our aim is to make the whole process as easy as possible, enabling people to shop from the comfort of their sofa at any time of day or night. All traders are offering a Click and Collect service or free delivery within the M13 postcode.
Wreath by Country Lane Wild
Proving very popular for Christmas presents are hampers brimming with local produce such as Duskins apple juice, Hallelujah Rub from Oyster Catcher, Vinegar and Honey Grain mustard from Mighty Fine Things and Graveney Honey. Lucy and her three co-founders are going to deliver them in person to all M13 postcodes and slightly further afield on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd December.
‘Let’s celebrate all that is local, wonderful and on our doorstep.’
If you still have Christmas presents to find Faversham Unlisted is the solution.
