Meet the Stockist - Ruskin Clothing

In this series of blog posts, we will be chatting to some of our stockists about what makes shopping independent so special.

RUSKIN CLOTHING

8 Harbour St, Whitstable

Can you introduce yourselves and your store and tell everyone a little about how your store came to be?

Ruskin is based in Whitstable and we are predominantly a clothing store, we curate a careful edit from our key brands to ensure that the store has a cohesive and inviting story. More recently, we have started to stock some self-care products to compliment our clothing and accessory edit. We like to buy from small makers, like Roake, who share our ethical sensibilities.

We are passionate about selling products which are as ethically sourced and sustainable as possible. Our family business was set up just over 7 years ago. In-store you'll find myself (Shelly), my husband Garrie and our two daughters Charlotte and Isobel. You might also meet Karen, who works alongside us and is an invaluable part of the Ruskin team. Isobel and I have been responsible for all the buying decisions, but we have been recently joined by Charlotte so it is great to have another set of eyes on which products make it onto the shelves! Between them Charlotte and Isobel run our website, social media and design all our graphics.

Can you give me some highlights of running your store?

Our business and family are inextricably linked and this is one of the best things about running Ruskin. Running a business together means we get to bounce ideas around and make sure everyone is able to contribute something from their unique skill set. One of the other highlights of running Ruskin is that the shop (and team) are firmly embedded in our community here in Whitstable which is a real privilege. Our family has been in the town for over 30 years, so becoming a staple of the high street has been a wonderful experience for us.

How would you describe your brand in 3 words?

Curated. Independent. Ethical. (They're even on our A-frame which sits outside the shop!)

What do you look for when searching for products to stock in the store?

Brands which have a strong ethical focus as well as a strong design aesthetic always appeal to us when we are thinking about what to stock in Ruskin. We always have our ears to the ground to try and find the next addition to the Ruskin edit, often other brands will suggest other collections which they think would fit in-store or we are approached directly by brands who have something new and exciting to offer. It's one of the best parts of the job!

What are your future plans for your store?

We have just started to branch out to include some more self-care and accessory items in store and that is something we would love to continue with. We want to ensure Ruskin stays a destination shop in Whitstable, and that means really focusing on creating a cohesive and inviting edit every season. We are always working on our website, and we hope that will continue to be a focus over the next few years.

Find Ruskin on these links below or drop in when you’re next visiting beautiful Whitstable!