OUR STORY

Diverse was 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 (Brixton, south London). In fact, that was how the shop got its name.

Today, Diverse is a popular lifestyle store that has a large and loyal customer base, and has been nominated for retail industry awards. 

OUR VALUES

Creativity

Our products are unusual and carefully chosen to surprise and delight our customers.

Representation 

We aim to create an offer that shows the world as it is and should be - diverse and inclusive. 

We champion work by creatives of colour both locally and globally because they are often underrepresented in the retail space.

We also stock independent artists and makers whose products support our values.

Ethical Trading

Diverse does not stock products that use materials and processes that are harmful to people and the planet. 

We take measures to run our business in a sustainable way by recycling where possible, avoiding energy waste and limiting our use of plastic.

We pay our suppliers fairly and we price fairly. 

Community

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

We provide business, employment and training opportunities for local people.

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