Much-loved Harrogate shop offers 'alternative to the high street's mass-produced Christmas merchandise'

A prominent festive shopping space in Harrogate is determined to deliver an alternative to the high street's ‘mass-produced Christmas merchandise’.

The team at Harrogate Fair Trade shop say what they offer is different - hidden in the heart of Harrogate is the town’s most joyful little Christmas shop, where every purchase has a story worth telling.

Vicky Wild, manager at Harrogate Fair Trade, said: “We sometimes describe ourselves as Harrogate's hidden treasure because people are amazed when they discover us, and the crafted, beautiful objects we sell.

“Every decoration or gift meaningfully represents someone's craftsmanship, skills and livelihood.

“I often tell customers that I know the person who knows the person who made that.”

Run with the support of 25 volunteers, Harrogate Fair Trade shop has been part of Harrogate's shopping community for around 37 years, yet remains something of a hidden gem.

Located inside St Peter's Church on Cambridge Street, the shop works closely with its UK suppliers who are in regular contact with the artisans and producers overseas, and have longstanding relationships with them.

From illuminated paper lanterns and delicate papier-mâché baubles to recycled glass ornaments, traditional felt robins and hand-carved decorations, Harrogate Fair Trade shop celebrates the return of a handmade Christmas, where decorations are treasured and brought out year after year.

Among the festive favourites are illuminated paper Starlights, handmade in India, alongside colourful felt decorations made by artisans in Nepal, recycled glass baubles and traditional paper decorations.

The shop also stocks unusual gifts with powerful stories behind them, including decorations produced through MADE51, an initiative that connects refugee artisans with international markets.

There’s also a limited number of exclusive brass Christmas decoration depicting Harrogate's historic Royal Pump Room, handmade by women in India.

Harrogate Fair Trade shop also challenging customers this festive season to see what thoughtful presents they can put together for £20, with ideas including reusable Turtle Bags filled with handmade decorations, jewellery and stocking fillers.

“Christmas shopping should be joyful,” said Vicky Wild.

“We want people to discover things they genuinely love, at prices they can afford, while knowing their purchases help support artisans and communities around the world.”

The festive celebrations come as Harrogate Fair Trade looks towards an exciting new chapter.

The independent charity is developing ambitious plans for a larger town centre shop, supported by funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Working with local partners including Zero Carbon Harrogate and Skills for Living, the charity hopes to create a vibrant new destination for ethical shopping, bringing together sustainable products, local artisans, refill facilities, workshops and community activities under one roof.

The vision is to champion independent retail and help revitalise Harrogate's high street.

Vicky said: “We've been part of Harrogate for nearly 40 years, and while we might be a hidden treasure today, our ambition is to become one of the town's most distinctive independent shopping destinations.

“Christmas is a wonderful time for people to discover what we do.”

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