WHAT WE’RE SHOPPING IN BRIXTON VILLAGE THIS MONTH
At the heart of the Brixton Village family, our retailers bring independent spirit, creativity and plenty of character. From back-to-school essentials and statement fashion to one-off homeware and beauty made with care, there’s lots to discover around the Village this month. Here’s what’s caught our eye — and why these independent traders are worth a wander.
BACK TO SCHOOL & UNI ESSENTIALS
The return to school means one thing: time for a fresh stationery haul. From notebooks and stationery to books and everyday essentials, Brixton Village’s independent retailers are full of back-to-school finds. And with The Brixton Gift Card, you can keep your spending local while discovering more of the traders who make the Village what it is.
Circus
Start with the stationery. Tucked away on Fifth Avenue, Circus is packed with bold printed notebooks, chic stationery, quirky water bottles and perfectly sized tote bags for carrying your daily essentials. Run by Tabitha with a real eye for design, it’s the kind of shop where even the most practical back-to-school supplies feel a little more exciting. Think useful, but make it fun.
Find it at: Circus, Granville Arcade, Unit 79
Round Table Books
No new term is complete without something good to read. Round Table Books is an independent bookshop championing inclusive stories and authors, with books for every kind of reader. Whether you’re looking for a new novel to get stuck into on the commute or books to support the curriculum, its carefully curated shelves are a reminder that there’s always room for another book in the bag.
Find it at: Round Table Books, Granville Arcade, Unit 10 & 11
Pop Specs
Glasses don’t have to be boring — just ask Sharron and Rhonda at Pop Specs. Their independent shop is packed with more than 100
colourful frames full of character, and the pair are always on hand to help you find something that feels like you. A refreshing take on an everyday essential, and a good excuse to rethink your look for the new academic year.
Find it at: Pop Spec, Granville Arcade, Unit 80
FOR THE HOME
If your home interiors are starting to feel a little too familiar, head to Brixton Village for decor with a bit more personality. The Village is home to independent makers creating homeware you won’t find on the usual high street. Here are a few of the names catching our eye this month.
CHINAKWE
Heritage, storytelling and colour take centre stage in CHINAKWE’s home collection. Founded by artist Caroline Chinakwe, the brand brings the richness of Nigerian culture into the modern home through vibrant prints, artwork and textiles. Alongside its collection of art prints and merchandise, CHINAKWE offers bespoke home tailoring, bringing its signature prints to everything from statement cushions and furniture to wallpaper.
Find it at: CHINAKWE, Market Row, Unit 34 & 34b
Best for: Bespoke Nigerian home furnishings.
Rose & Thorn
Small details can make a big difference. Rose & Thorn, run by the wonderful Pat, is one of the independent businesses you can discover with The Brixton Gift Card — an independent boutique filled with dainty homeware, cosy decorative pieces and charming finds that feel a little like jewellery for the home. Look out for their handmade wooden and knitted toys for little ones, alongside the carefully chosen pieces that make a space feel more personal.
Find it at: Rose and Thorn, Granville Arcade, Unit 75
Best for: Dainty home decorations.
MAKING A FASHION STATEMENT
Mishanty
In Brixton Village, we’re all about making a statement. Mishanty does exactly that, bringing African-inspired fashion, bold prints and plenty of personali
ty to the Village. From eye-catching tulle skirts and handmade statement necklaces to colourful printed bags, Harriet’s collection is made for those who want to stand out!
With made-to-order outfits you won’t find anywhere else, Mishanty is a go-to for occasion dressing. As one of the independent businesses you can shop with The Brixton Gift Card, it’s a pretty good place to pick out your next statement piece.
Find it at: Mishanty, Granville Arcade, Unit 82
Best for: One of a kind Africa-inspired fashion.
Market Row Pop-ups
Part of the fun of shopping in Brixton Village is never quite knowing what you’ll find. Market Row is buzzing with independent fashion pop-ups this month, bringing one-off pieces and emerging designers into the Village — and giving you plenty of reasons to browse beyond the high street.
Fashion designer, architect and artist Zekaryas Solomon has brought his atelier collection to Market Row, showcasing exquisitely tailored pieces with a distinctly personal touch. Even stop by to meet Zekaryas himself, and settle in for a chat over a cup of coffee.
Just opposite, ÀSE Boutique is currently home to Kola’s collection of one-of-a-kind clothing. With pieces you won’t find anywhere else, it’s another reason to take a slower wander through Market Row and see what catches your eye.
Our Market Row pop-ups are all about giving independent brands a chance to put their work in front of a real crowd. If you’ve always wanted to see what your brand could do in a buzzing market setting, get in touch with us via the Brixton Village website.
Find it at: Market Row
Best for: Exploring unique, independent fashion brands & meeting the makers.
Beauty & Fragrance
Behind the independent beauty brands in the Village are makers and traders who know their products inside out, from the ingredients they choose to the way they’re made. There’s time, knowledge and a lot of care behind the beauty shelves here — and it shows.
Shimirose
This month marks three years of Shimirose in the Village, and eight years since Akua’s business began. You’ll probably know them for their Ghanaian shea butter, but the Granville Arcade beauty emporium has plenty more to discover. Alongside skincare and body care, Shimirose stocks a considered collection of vegan and cruelty-free beauty products, with Ghanaian heritage at the heart of the brand.
Find it at: Shimirose, Granville Arcade, Unit 32
Best for: Everything body butter, essential oils & natural soaps.
My Signature Aroma
At My Signature Aroma, fragrance is all about taking your time and finding something that feels personal. Located at the Atlantic Road entrance to Granville Arcade, Frank works with 35 carefully sourced ingredients, which can be blended into a scent of your own. From perfume and candles to diffusers and room sprays, each creation starts with the ingredients — and ends with something uniquely yours.
Find it at: My Signature Aroma, Granville Arcade, Unit 108
Best for: Personalised perfume & home fragrance.
THE BRIXTON GIFT CARD
The Brixton Gift Card brings together some of the independent shops, restaurants, bars and businesses that give Brixton its character, all on one card. It’s a simple way to discover somewhere new, support local businesses and, most importantly, give someone an excuse to spend a little more time exploring the Village.
For more information on The Brixton Gift Card, click HERE.
