Rye is full to the brim with creatives, makers, independent retailers and wonderful small brands. We think this makes it the perfect place for a spot of ethical and sustainable shopping. To help you along your way, we wanted to highlight some of our favourite local businesses that sell the best gifts, homewares, clothing and more! All of which is consciously produced, meaning you can shop guilt-free knowing every purchase is doing good...
The Kind Table
5A Market Rd, Rye TN31 7JA
The Kind Table is Rye's refillery and sustainable lifestyle store, your one-stop-shop for sustainable and natural alternatives to everyday products that are better for both your well-being and the environment! Providing a range of refillable skincare, household cleaning and food refills. They even offer a great range of sustainable gifts.
Rye Health Store
91 High St, Rye TN31 7JN
The Rye Health Store has been a part of the local community since 1982. They supply only the best quality organic wholefoods and natural bodycare, with a great selection of popular brands. Refills have been a growing part of the store and are increasing popular with customers.This includes household cleaning products, wholefoods and body care.
Colette
5A Market Rd, Rye TN31 7JA
This gorgeous award-winning boutique sells a carefully curated selection of women's and children's clothes and accessories from ethical and sustainable brands and local makers. Stocking a range of brands, including Beaumont Organic, Bibico, Merry People, Wild Fawn Jewellery and more.
Rye Chocolates
110a High St, Rye TN31 7JE
Shopping for a delicious treat? Look no further than Rye Chocolates. Handmade, single-origin chocolate, sustainably sourced and made in East Sussex. They work with producers who are passionate for supporting their local community, the environment and paying their workers fairly. Creating the finest chocolates using only the best ingredients sourced from around the world, Rye Chocolates is a must visit for any chocolate lover.
Sailors of Rye
97 High St, Rye TN31 7JN
A fantastic concept store bringing you hand selected unisex clothing and homeware. Sailors of Rye's mission is "to offer you design icons or future classics for a slow living lifestyle." They only stock what they truly love and strive to deliver pieces that will last decades instead of seasons. They are anti-mass production and often create their own ranges, collaborate with independent brands and nurture new talent.
AARVEN
22a Lion St, Rye TN31 7LB
Meaning 'friend of the people', AARVEN is an ethical homeware and jewellery brand founded by two adventurers, inspired by their artisans around the globe. From wood block printed textiles, recycled brass jewellery, to hand woven baskets, they design their joyful collections in collaboration with the worlds best artisans. Every treasure found in this store is ethically and sustainably produced, so you can shop guilt-free. Don't forget to take a look at their range of Hiro + Wolf pet accessories, all ethically handmade in the UK from sustainable materials.
WiDEYE
113 High St, Rye TN31 7JE
Inspired by the power of nature, WiDEYE create natural skin and body care products. They carefully consider each and every ingredient that goes into our products, avoiding anything unnecessary. They are passionate about trading responsibly and have a commitment to ethical and sustainable practises. Their range includes bath spa treats, face care, hair care, body care, natural soap, candles and fragrances.
Ethel Loves Me
105 High St, Rye TN31 7JE
A gorgeous concept store with the aim of showcasing and promoting some of the abundant local talent. They adopt a sustainable and ethical approach, from their no-leather and cruelty free policies through to their packaging, focus on the up-cycled and natural materials and their shop-local ethos. Find a diverse mix of art, craft, curios, lifestyle, upcycling, salvage and unique gifts in this one-of-a-kind shop.
Rae
77a The Mint, Rye TN31 7EW
This beautifully curated shop is stocked with ethical brands, muted tones, handmade objects and things that soothe the senses. They stock natural beauty products from small independent brands such as Legra, beautiful folk-inspired jewellery from Studio Rua and much more. After you've finished your shopping, you can even get a take-away flat white or turmeric latte from their coffee hatch.
Soap & Salvation
18-20 Rope Walk, Rye TN31 7NA
This stunning lifestyle shop is located in a former Salvation Army chapel. A wonderful place to discover vintage and antique homewares, books, art and objects. They travel throughout the UK and Europe to source their eclectic array of items, only buying pieces they truly love. You'll find unique pieces, gently and lovingly restored for the modern home. Their sustainable selection of antique,vintage and handcrafted pieces makes them one not to miss.
Thank you for choosing to shop small and support sustainable businesses! If you want to learn more about why you should choose to support local independent businesses, click here.
