A NEW homeware and gift shop selling environmentally friendly products from local artists and producers has opened in Basingstoke town centre.

Owners Helen Mitchell, 30, and her husband  James, 34, from East Wellow first opened Fig and Fox in Romsey last October to a rapturous welcome.

Now, the couple have expanded to open their new pop-up shop in Festival Place, welcoming their first customers on Friday, September 15.

James, who ran a production company designing theatre scenery, said: "The idea came to us as a result of the Covid lockdown because when shops started opening up again we saw a gap in the market for an independent retailer to open. It has been really successful in Romsey so we are hoping for the same in Basingstoke."

 

@basingstokegazette Fig & Fox have the perfect gifts (just in time for christmas too) #basingstoke #festivalplace #shopping #ethicalshopping ♬ Aesthetic - Gaspar

Basingstoke Gazette: Inside the new pop-up shop in Festival Place Inside the new pop-up shop in Festival Place (Image: Newsquest)

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Following the success of the shop and the positive response from the community about their independently crafted and ethically sourced range of items, the pair decided to branch out to Basingstoke. 

The concept was created by the married pair who have combined their design experience to launch the business and feel part of the community.

James said people want to go somewhere they can buy locally sourced gifts as well as find items that are made with the environment in mind. 

Basingstoke Gazette: Inside the new pop-up shop in Festival Place Inside the new pop-up shop in Festival Place (Image: Newsquest)

A new selection of individual and designer-led products, food and drink from the Basingstoke area and a range of personalised items will be sold in the town centre shop. 

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Helen, a former design and technology teacher, said they considered the environment throughout their business plan, including using compostable packaging and having a recycling point for used coffee cups.

Basingstoke Gazette: Owner of the shop Helen Mitchell and staff members Emily Miller and Max Barker Owner of the shop Helen Mitchell and staff members Emily Miller and Max Barker (Image: Newsquest)

The shop will open until Sunday, January 14. However, James told the Gazette that they hope to find a permanent solution to stay in the town once the contract comes to an end.

The full range of products is online and available for delivery anywhere in the UK at figandfox.co.uk.