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Our Story

Diverse Gifts in Brixton, London

Diverse is an award-winning, independent gift store based in the heart of Brixton, south London. Founded in 1999 by Anita Thorpe, it started life as a silver jewellery stall in Brixton's famous street market. After several years of trading in the market, Anita opened a small jewellery shop and added greeting cards, gifts, art and books as the business grew.

While the growth of the business was organic, Anita knew from the outset that she wanted it to reflect the diverse area in which it was located. In fact, that was how the shop got its name. Today, Diverse is a popular local enterprise, with a large and loyal following in the UK and internationally..

Our Values

Representation - for everyone - hands together icon

Diversity and Inclusion

We offer gifts and lifestyle products that show the world as it is and should be - diverse and inclusive. We believe everyone has the right to be proud of who they are and deserves to see themself represented positively in the environment around them.

We centre work by creatives of colour - both locally and globally - because they are often underrepresented in the wider retail space. We also stock independent artists and makers whose products align with our values.

 

Creativity in the Local Community - Lightbulb icon

Inspiration and Empowerment

Our products are carefully chosen to excite, inspire and empower our customers. We look for items that are modern, well-designed, culturally relevant and life-affirming - products that will bring people joy and that they'll want to keep.

 

Diverse Gifts Sustainability

Sustainability

Our planet and society is important to us. Diverse does not stock products that use materials or processes that are harmful to the people who make them and the planet. 

We try to minimise our impact on the environment by recycling where possible, avoiding energy waste, and limiting our use of single-use plastic.

We pay our suppliers fairly and we work with other businesses who do the same; in particular, recognised fair trade companies.

 

Community - supporting the local community

Community 

Our connection to the Brixton community that has supported us from our inception is very important to us. We're proud to be one of Brixton's longest established businesses.

We sell work by local artists and makers and we also stock a collection of Brixton-themed merchandise.

We partner with local agencies to provide business, employment and training opportunities for local people.

Each year we donate a percentage of our profits to a local community project.

 Diverse Gifts, Brixton - Anita Thorpe

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