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. 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

Representation and Visibility

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 champion work by talented 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 support our values.

 

Curated and Creative

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

Ethical Trading

Diverse does not stock products that use materials and processes that are harmful to the people who make them and the planet. 
We pay our suppliers fairly and we try to work with other businesses who do the same; in particular, recognised fair trade companies.
We aim to run our business sustainably by recycling where possible, avoiding energy waste and limiting our use of plastic.

 

Community Connections

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 work 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.

Visit Us