It was this autumn that Barbara – founder of take good care – decided she needed to bring the positivity and good vibes of tgc to the people of Eastbourne. After looking for a place to launch a pop-up shop, she found the ideal setting in The Foundry, a newly-created side venue within Eastbourne’s Beacon shopping centre.
And it didn’t take Barbara long to decide this was the ideal place for her to expand the tgc cause.
“I took one look and thought ‘this is right for me’,” says Barbara. “I then went back to the office and a colleague said she’d heard of a place in Eastbourne that has pop-ups available, and that I should take tgc there. I told her I’d already signed up!”
The Beacon attracts 11 million visitors every year, and The Foundry is the latest development where pop-up shops and the wonderful Slowpoke coffee stop is housed. Upstairs there’s a co-working space for Eastbourne’s new generation of creatives.
Sustainable shopping in Eastbourne
Barbara’s been in The Foundry for more than a month now, and has got to know the people of Eastbourne as they pass through looking for sustainable Christmas gifts and eco-friendly presents for their loved ones.
“It’s been an amazing experience so far,” says Barbara. “I get to talk to so many interested people who want to know more about sustainability and planet-friendly shopping. Whether it’s grandparents looking for gifts for newborn grandchildren, or kids wanting a present for their siblings, I’ve spoken to them all.
“Eastbourne is the perfect place for our sustainable shopping brand. People here are so friendly and want to do their bit for the environment, but are also conscious of costs. Unfortunately many eco shops are really expensive but we make sure our prices are affordable to everyone. After all, sustainability doesn’t have to cost the earth!”
One of the best things about being placed in The Foundry is the community togetherness generated by the other pop-up shops. This includes Gem’s Lil Trinkets and Students of the Game.
All three stores, plus a few additional pop-ups, are now gearing up for the Christmas rush by ensuring the most popular items are well stocked.
For Barbara, this means restocking plenty of recycled scarves, vegan leather backpacks and The Vegan Box, all of which are available in store or online (with free delivery!).
The pop-up store, located at the front of The Foundry, is currently open Tuesday to Sunday. Barbara uses Mondays to head back to the office, cover admin and indulge in some mental wellbeing practices she uses to relax, renew and then resume.
And then, it’s back to the store to speak to most customers about the value of sustainable shopping, and healthy living.
“I always want to give something back to the community I work in, and the tgc store lets me do this,” says Barbara. “I can’t believe how friendly and welcoming everyone has been. Everyone tells me they want to do more, shop better, and help our planet. It starts not only with eco shopping but also improving our mental wellness, so we can make better decisions.
“As I always say, you can’t look after the planet until you look after yourself. And I think that’s a big part of Christmas this year – finding the time and space to look after your own mind and help others with theirs.”
Visit take good care at The Foundry, in Eastbourne’s Beacon Shopping Centre, during normal shopping hours Tuesday-Sunday in the lead-up to Christmas.
And if you’d like to know more about mental wellbeing and how you can shop more sustainability, check out our lifestyle blogs today!
