A lifestyle made fair

We catch up with the team at Cornish independent ethical retailer, Uneeka, and learn what’s in store for the summer season.

Founded by Jodi Skelton in 2004, Uneeka began in a small space in the cosy setting of Lemon Street market in Truro, however since then, this superb home and lifestyle brand has grown into two stores – a home furniture shop on City Road, and a lifestyle store and café on Boscawen Street.

“Perhaps you’re in search of the perfect piece of jewellery, be it as a gift or a treat unto yourself”

Uneeka Home sells unique furniture, lighting, sofas, rugs, cushions, home accessories, gifts and much more, all products being ethically sourced and, often, one-off or limited edition!

Across both their stores, the team have built strong relationships with their suppliers, with a deep understanding of where their products come from, what materials they use and whether or not they are eco-friendly, fair trade, palm-oil free, plastic free and sustainable. “This is how we’ve secured such a great stock for our home store summer sale,” explains Manager, Jess Preen. “The majority of our summer sale pieces are one-offs, but at half the usual price for the same quality pieces. As well as our indoor range, we have some incredible deals on outdoor furniture too, including some pieces that are perfect for making the most of the wonderful weather we’ve been having!”

What’s more, having recently attended the Manchester furniture show, the team are pleased to say that the showroom is bursting at the seams with amazing new stock.

So what’s on trend this season? Well, according to Emily Taylor, who works alongside Jess, “luxurious velvet, gold accents, house plants and floral/jungle detailing” are very much in vogue. She continues: “We have a fantastic new floral mural on the outside of our homestore, painted by our fabulous in-house illustrators. This gives the store a fresh, eye-catching summer look,” one that seems to have people smiling as they drive past! “We’ve also been painting and decorating the lifestyle shop with floral themes and are always updating our window display.”

The lifestyle store really is an emporium of inspiration, with stained woods giving it a fresh look and more plants and greenery reinforcing the floral trend that’s so popular at the moment. There’s new stock arriving weekly at the moment as well, “and we have a sale in August in time for kids going back to school,” explains Jess.

Perhaps you’re in search of the perfect piece of jewellery, be it as a gift or a treat unto yourself. Jess tells us: “Sterling silver jewellery is still a favourite and one of our best jewellery suppliers has just added some brass touches, which are selling really well!”

Home to a wide range of exciting ethical products, from gorgeous handbags, the aforementioned jewellery and gifts, to cushions, throws and home furnishings, this superb independent business has built a reputation among its customers for the personal touch found in everything they sell. With inspirational designers in the south west, the Uneeka team strive to source locally before looking further afield, proudly supporting the local community. Offering an alternative to the impersonal ranges found on large online stores, Uneeka is delighted to promote a lifestyle made fair, so whether you’re furnishing your home, accessorising your wardrobe for summer or searching for the perfect gift, a trip to one of Uneeka’s Truro stores comes highly recommended!

Uneeka Home

Princess Chula House, City Road, Truro TR1 2JL

Uneeka Life

5 Boscawen Street, Truro TR1 2EL

01872 888533

www.uneeka.com