farewell...

So long, farewell, auf weidersehen, goodbye... our time on the lovely Store Street is almost up. 

In 7 years we've seen a huge shift in the way people buy; people who support the ethical sustainable and eco friendly products that we sell, but who are ultimately time-short.

Despite our cracking run here on Store Street, the government business rates hike next month and the other costs associated with having a central London space are now unsustainable.

Of course all 895 Facebook fans, 100+ Twitter followers and all our customers new and old who have supported us, we thank from the bottom of our hearts.

In 7 years we've worked with 100s of suppliers from around the world, and without you, none of this could have happened. Some were small, some were large, but all of you kept on pushing the envelope and creating as one of our suppliers said "products to die for."

These last 17 months would not have been possible without the generosity and spirit of enterprise of The Bedford Estates, and the untenable support of Coverdale Davis and CWM teams. The fantastic community of independent businesses on Store Street; you have all supported the vision, and I will endeavour to support yours.

To friends, family, and supporters my deepest gratitude.

Finally, to who they say shall not be named, I promise next time, I'm paying. Bookends.

We're here until the end of April and in true Potassium style, we'll be having a KGB. Dates and details will be forthcoming so keep a look out - this is a celebration and I hope as many of you as possible can participate whether you're in the Philippines or Putney.

My final request is that you help me just one more time by opening your wallets and shopping the fabulous bargains in store, and all because the lady don't like packin'

K+

PS - I'm no lady!

fair-trade. not just for a fortnight, daily since 2005...

Fair-trade fortnight is upon us. A celebration, and a time for committing to a change in your buying habits. 

Chances are if you like your bananas or even your chocolate you're already making a difference. But what about your clothes or even your mp3 player?

We don't sell mp3 players because we prefer bananas over apples - it's the potassium content you know - but we do sell lots of great clothes for men and women as well as a selection of gifts that are ethically produced and wherever possible kind to the environment. In fact we've been doing this since we opened our doors almost 7 years ago. 

Take our own brand candles for example. Produced using soy wax rather then harmful petroleum based wax, they not only burn evenly, but don't give out that black smoke type thing that regular candle burners will know eventually tarnish your wallpaper. They're made in Canada through a return-to-work program that aids physically and mentally disadvantaged people. They are sea-freighted across the Atlantic to the UK and sell for £4.95. Packaged in an aluminium recyclable tin and available in 6 scents. 

Then there's the collections we carry made locally in the UK. Whether it's the stylish women's dresses made by Nancy Dee who's style is a nod to the 50s or the super soft bamboo and museling free merino by Frank & Faith. Or the pioneers of fair trade born in the acid- house era Komodo with ever so sexy and stylish pieces made for the 21st century man and women. 

Let's not forget the crop of new emerging designers that we support. Plane Clothing's carbon neutral, organic cotton raglan sweatshirts are hand printed in London with iconic images of London buildings photographed and digitally manipulated. N V London Calcutta's super soft leather bags are designed here in London and then manufactured by a cooperative in Calcutta. Outsider's mantra "We believe ethical fashion should look just like fashion" rings true in their sleek sophisticated style.

Elvis & Kresse take recycling to the max with their range of bags belts wallets and purses made from decommissioned fire hose. Look carefully and you'll see the original markings from a material that has been in service for 50 years and has been remade into lustful objects. Vegan brand Matt & Nat have for the last 10 years shown that vegan accessories can be as stylish as their leather counterparts without the toxicity of conventional leather production. 

And finally, if you remain unconvinced, come and discover for yourself at our store in Bloomsbury. Like the couple who shopped with up last weekend who we stopped going to Primark and who left with £5 organic cotton tee shirts and a pair of fabulous Monkee Genes chinos. They were genuinely surprised at the prices, bowled over by the quality and lapped up the style.

So why is that we don't sell Mp3 players? Well the company who claims to "change everything" have not changed one simple thing and that is their manufacturers treat the workers in an ethical, just way. If they make this commitment then maybe we'll think their claims to be true, and who knows we may even stock the next iGadget. Well, maybe... 

"fair-trade. not just for a fortnight, since 2005..."

Drapers & Pure Inspiring Independents 2012

Potassium is delighted to share the news that we have been included in The Top 100 Stores selected by Drapers readership.

“Without independent retailers, fashion would be a dull industry. We depend on inspiring indies to trawl the globe for the most exciting, new brands, offer unrivalled customer service, develop quirky retail concepts- whether on or offline – and campaign for this all–important sector to thrive.” Ana Santi. Deputy editor, Drapers

“In the last year contemporary fashion indie relocated from Marble Arch to Bloomsbury, but despite the move, its ethos and support for new designers remains the same. Potassium has a history of backing emerging designers through its ‘6 Week Rail’ programme, in which designers can showcase their product at the store.

The indie has also opened up its outside space to vintage sellers and jewellery designers. Owner Karim Ladak says the strategy has been a hit: “It has made people stop and look and not only buy from these independent designers and makers but also from ourselves inside the store.” – Inspiring Indies 2012 Drapers & Pure London supplement.

Having traded from a temporary location on recently regenerated Store Street, Potassium hopes to move to a permanent space this year.

“The regeneration of Store Street by The Bedford Estate has created a dynamic retail and leisure destination in the heart of Bloomsbury; one that appeals to the academic and creative industries nearby, as well as the visiting and residential community.” Karim Ladak, Owner, Potassium.

Other plans for Potassium include an overhaul of its on-line store and the re-issue of its covetable private-label collection.

At the awards ceremony L-R Noorin Khamisani, Isabelle Bricknall, Karim Ladak, Michelle Moore

Outsider Flash Fashion Show - Store Street

Last September, we kicked off the season with a Flash Fashion Show featuring Outsider's Autumn/Winter 2011 and Spring/Summer 2012 collections, accessorised by Soomin.

The video was shot on our street by Dave Aspinall with hair and make-up by our friends at Decadence with a little help from Shari Rendell.

The video was launched in February 2012 as part of the anniversary celebrations of London Fashion Week with a stellar soundtrack by Man Like Me.

Thank you too all who helped make this possible.

Enjoy

Watch The Flash Fashion Show Video by Outsider at Potassium London


Outsider - Flash Fashion Show from Dave Aspinall on Vimeo.