Why don't you pay us a visit at 28 Castle Arcade. Or mail us at mail@oysterclothing.co.uk. We would love to hear from you.
If you can't get in to see us, check out our on-line shop. New season Kuyichi is now on-line. We will soon be adding some gorgeous tops by new ethical company Organic Stereo so keep checking on it.
Friday 9th May published by Jenny 3.15pm
Although we will no longer be in Castle Arcade, we will still be selling our remaining stock on-line, so do keep an eye out for bargains.
On-line currently we are selling our two remaining pairs of howies Timber organic jeans - sizes 36 Reg (sold) and 38 Long for £40 plus £2.50 p&p. The normal price is £80. If you don't want to order on-line, give us your details over the phone (029 2064 4107) - 12 -5.30 Tuesday - Saturday up until 25th May.
Friday 2nd May published by Jenny 2.47pm
£10SALE£10SALE£10SALE£10SALE£10SALE£10SALE£10SALE£10SALE£10SALE£10
Oyster will be closing its doors on the 26th May, just in time for the summer half term. Please come and visit us to take advantage of our final discounts. (Almost) all ladies sale clothing is now £10. The only exceptions are the jeans which remain discounted by 50%. Current season Kuyichi remains full price and on-line.
Men's clothing is (almost all) under £20 - with the jeans and base layers all at half price. Again, this season Kuyichi is full price and on-line. Come and help clear our remaining stock - and help yourself to a great summer wardrobe at Primark prices!!!
Saturday 19th April published by Jenny 1pm
We had a great night on Thursday with a really good turnout of around 100 people. Martin and his band put on a great show for us. Many thanks guys - and best of luck with the rest of your tour. Meanwhile, a special thanks goes to Rik Weightman who put us in touch with the band. Being a singer/songwriter himself he also did the support which went down a storm. Well done Rich!
Tuesday 15th April published by Jenny 4pm
Don't forget to come and say your goodbyes this Thursday night at Tafod@Nos Da, Fitzhammon Embankment. Kicking off at 8.30pm - tickets £4 in advance from us, or £5 on the door. Come along and join us for a great night of live music from this great blues guitarist and his band. A good night is guaranteed. Click here to hear Martin Harley for yourself.
Just 'cos we're having a goodbye party, doesn't mean we're going anywhere just now. We have a few items of new season Kuyichi waiting to be snapped up. Full price but all sizes at the moment. (It's been slim pickings for you men of medium size recently).
Plenty of bargains still to be had. Most of our stock has now been reduced to £20 and below. Happily, most of our remaining stock is of the summer variety, so come and grab yourselves a bargain.
Monday 17th March published by Jenny 3.10pm
Boy oh boy - those Liberal Democrats are working hard to alienate just about every sector of the Cardiff population. Following on from the contentious parking schemes, schools reorganisation and 'pedestrianisation' of St Mary Street, we are now subjected to an onslaught of commercial activity in Bute Park. The Council are cutting a new road into the park capable of two articulated lorries passing! This is in advance of planning permission being granted. Sign the petition or even better, e-mail the planners directly.
Thursday 13th March published by Jenny 4.03pm
We are now a couple of weeks into our closing down sale, and boy has the response been brilliant. What great customers we have - and what an interesting bunch you all are too! Ceri has gone on to pastures new - working for a small independent IT company so she should feel right at home. Meanwhile, I am holding the fort here, with Ffion helping me on Saturdays. To help out, Enfys will be opening the shop on Sundays from 11.00 - 4.00, and I will be closing most Mondays. We will also be likely to close around 3.30 - 4pm this Saturday as the town will be swamped by rugby goers.
Remember our new times: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.30
Sunday 11.00 - 4.00
Mondays - Closed
Tuesday 26th February published by Jenny 12.18pm
It is with great sadness that Ceri and I have decided to close Oyster. While we have developed over our three years a hugely supportive and enthusiastic customer base, it is not enough to keep us going.
As a final farewell and thank you to you all, we have organised a gig at Tafod, below the Nos Da Inn on Fitzhammon Embankment with the fabulously talented blues guitarist Martin Harley. Thursday 17th April. Tickets £4 in advance and £5 on the door. Should be a good night.
Oyster will be open for the next couple of months while we sell off all our stock at dizzying discounts (50% and more off almost everything). However, our hours may change slightly. If you are planning a special trip in, give us a call (029 2064 4107) or check our website.
We will also be putting discounted items on our e-site. So keep an eye out.
Thursday 17th January published by Jenny 2.35pm
SALEEXTENDEDSALEEXTENDEDSALEEXTENDED
We have had a busy old time since Christmas with our customers taking full advantage of our £10 Sale Rail (in particular). We still have many ladies items at £10 so come and check them out. We have extended our sale to include many items by howies, People Tree and Kuyichi - with discounts of 30 - 50% and some items reduced by 75%. For those of you planning to take winter sun, or go travelling, we have also put plenty of summer clothing in our sale.
Friday 28th December published by Jenny11.00am
SALESALESALESALESALESALESALESALESALESALE
Now is a great time to visit Oyster (when is it never a good time I ask?) as we have put plenty of goodies in the sale. Everything on the ladies' sale rail is now £10! For the guys, we have taken 30% off some of our Kuyichi jackets, shirts and jeans. Don't leave it too long or they'll all be gone.
Sunday 16th December published by Jenny 1.02pm
Well our Christmas party has been and gone, and much dancing was done to the fab sounds of 'Dr' James who kept us on our feet all night. Congrats on your PhD as well - a man of many talents! Ceri's got a couple of pics so watch this space!
I know we've been guilty of raving about Hug jeans before - and to be totally truthful we were wrong. Yes - the cotton was a of luscious quality and the cotton was pure indigo - no treatments. They gave you a great bum. Trouble was they weren't comfortable to wear. Sorry Hug!
Still - Hug have changed their direction now and have really got things right as those of you who have bought their jersey in their droves will testify. We are now in receipt of their jeans which do all of the above and feel wonderful on (Cer reserved our tester pair for Christmas) If you hate low rise jeans - come in and give them a try.
Finally - congratulations to Sustrans! They are now £50 million richer as a result of your votes. We look forward to the inaugural ride across the Penarth bridge...
Friday 30th November published by Jenny 11am
Here it is - an impression of the new foot/cycle bridge across the river Ely. No more death defying trips across the main road bridge. If, that is, you vote for it. This project has been put together by Sustrans who are hoping to receive funding from the People's 50 Million. This project is up against others, and the one with the most votes will go ahead.
Find out more and then vote at www.sustransconnect2.org.uk
Tuesday 6th November published by Jenny 1.50pm
We are extremely excited to receive the new jersey collection from Hug. Regulars at Oyster will know how lusciously soft their cotton is. Their new collection (sold in Selfridges no less) is so fine, that it drapes like silk and - and ... Well - best to try it for yourselves. Hug don't do men's clothes any more alas, but we still have some stock left from before. Come and grab some before it's too late.
Friday 26th October published by Jenny 10.19am
Tonic Boondoogle
We know how much you guys love buying t-shirts from howies and The Hemp Trading Company. We have now taken on two new companies who we reckon you will love as much - and they are both based in Wales!
Tonic are an ethical company who make their t-shirts in the UK! How rare is that these days?! Their cotton is shortly to be certified fairtrade, but meanwhile, the factories they use comply with the standards set out by the ILO and have been audited by Oxfam and Friends of the Earth.... AND they are groovy designs. Check out a couple above.
Our second company are called Bondoogle and have already become a fixture at Welsh festivals this summer. Their t-shirts are made from bamboo which is gorgeously light and soft and completely addictive to wear. We love the girls cut and the animals who have real sex appeal!
Tuesday 16th October published by Ceri 12.13pm
Well as with all websites there are times needed for it to be upgraded and cleaned up, so to speak, and we are in process of doing this to the on-line shop, so please bear with us for a little while whilst the new items are added and the sold out ones are removed or updated. I will do this as quickly as possible. But being just little ol me it will take a bit more time. In the meantime any questions on stock or anything please get in touch with us via our email (above) or give us a ring on our number at the shop: 02 920 644 107.
Saturday 13th October published by Jenny 11.30am
OYSTER CHRISTMAS PARTY OYSTER CHRISTMAS PARTY OYSTER
Yes, you heard it here first. Following a rather lacklustre drink after work last year, we have decided to celebrate Christmas properly this year and we would love you -our esteemed customers and supporters - to join us.
We have hired out Tafod, underneath the Backpacker's Hotel on Fitzhammon Embankment in Riverside for an unashamed night of dancing. We have a DJ, decks and a glittery disco ball. We've seen you tap your feet in Oyster, let's see what you can do let loose on a dance floor!
Friday 14th December from 8pm. Tickets £5 available from Oyster in advance or on the door. All profits will go to ICAHD (the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions).
Monday 24th September published by Jenny 2pm
People Tree howies Chandni Chowk
Our computer only wants to write in bold today - it must be as excited as we are about our new ranges. We now have our new ranges of People Tree and Chandni Chowk out on the shop floor and fantastic they look too. For those of you who have been waiting for Fair Trade work trousers, look no further. We have them and they are selling well. Our Chandni skirts are stunningly embroidered and have matching camis so you can upstage the opposition on your next night out.
Howies clothing is also starting to come in to Oyster. We have cords and jean skirts for the girls, and shirts and jumpers for the guys. Plenty more will be winging its way to us over the next few weeks.
So, after the excitement of last week, you'll know where to spend your life savings recently liberated from Northern Rock...
Monday 17th September published by Jenny 10.25am
I read recently that Cardiff has a higher accident rate for cyclists than other cities in the UK. It is a subject close to my heart as I use my bike as my main form of transport and watch with awe the antics of my fellow road users. Using Cowbridge Road East as I do, I have been amused (!) to see the efforts that Cardiff Council have gone to in creating pretty red cycle paths decorated with double yellow lines which are daily blocked by a long line of parked cars, forcing us back out to battle with buses and cars.
Cardiff is a great city for cycling in principle. It is (relatively) flat, compact, and doesn't rain as much as we think it does. I should know - I go by bus at the first sight of a black cloud.
To celebrate cycling, and encourage greater use of bikes, an event has been organised by Cycle Cardiff to celebrate In Town Without My Car Day. Bikes In The City is a clockwise cycle ride starting in Penarth and picking cyclists up around the City before well earned tea and cakes at Kemi's luscious cafe in the Bay. It is a celebration of cycling, not a demonstration aimed at frustrating motorists, so join in and enjoy!!!
Friday 31st August published by Jenny 11.50am
Well - here it is at last ... our very first range of Kuyichi clothing. This stuff feels luscious, fits brilliantly, looks cool - oh and it's organic and from a company with impeccable fair trade credentials. How very Oyster! Come and grab some for yourself before it all sells out. Check out www.kuyichi.com for more info.
Thursday 16th August published by Ceri 12.00pm
Hi all, well we are getting to the final countdown of Kuyichi arriving into Oyster and I must say i'm getting very excited! They have some really great stuff on offer, most of it i want for myself i must add! So keep you eye on this space and I will keep you up to date with the arrival.
On other news as you are probably very aware the shops are getting into the end of the season but there is still plenty on offer here at Oyster. However we will be getting in new collections within the next month so any questions please don't hesitate to contact us. But as always i will let you know on the arrival of the new winter stock especially for howies. We always appreciate a call :)
Monday 13th August published by Ceri 1.30pm
Just to let you know our good friends at THTC have now expanded and so we will hopefully be getting a larger range of items. Good news for all our hemp lovers out there. Jules, our lovely lady from people tree has joined them recently so when I find out the inside gossip I will be sure to let you know. Until then they have brought out some lovely new t-shirt designs such as Noah's shuttle (above) and Climate change so be sure to pop on in and have a look.
As well as the new design of tees for THTC there have also been new designs of worn again shoes. They have increased the selection of escape shoes and also introduced others such as the womble. See out webshop to have a look!
Friday 10th August published by Ceri 3.30pm
So St Mary's Street has been closed to everything apart from Buses and Taxis, although I must say I still the occasional car coming down. We would love to hear your views on what you think about the closure. Just email me on mail@oysteclothing.co.uk saying whether you are in favour or not and if you think St Mary's street should be closed for all traffic? We would love to hear from you. Personally though I think this is a great step forward.
Monday 6th August published by Jenny 11.50am
I could hardly contain my excitement this morning coming into Oyster. Ever since my move to Cardiff 15 years ago (!) I have heard people say - "Ah - but when St Mary Street is pedestrianised things will improve."
Well - it's not pedestrianised - but it's the next best thing. This morning some poor beleagered traffic wardens had the unenviable task of stopping all traffic (bar buses, taxis and bikes) from turning into High Street from the Castle. While they were getting a load of lip from the drivers, the rest of us were basking in the (relative) silence that had descended on St Mary Street.
Come and check it out for yourself, and then make your (positive) feelings known to the Council (click on Changing Landscapes). If the experiment goes well, then the vision above will be put into effect next spring. Then Castle Arcade will be a proper part of the city centre at last!
Thursday 26th July published by Jenny 5.15pm
On the further theme of bags - we at Oyster are proud to announce that we have just joined an ethical loyalty scheme. Pop into our shop, and buy a bag which is not only cool and funky, but also perfect for putting your bathers in for that trip to the beach (!) when you're not shopping.
Every time you spend over £50 with us, you will get a 5% discount on the lot (tons more than you'll get in Tescos ...). Shared Earth run the scheme as well as other shops up and down the country.
Find out more at www.bagsofchange.co.uk.
Thursday 12th July published by Jenny 
So the Scottish Parliament lobby are pushing to copy Ireland and introduce a tax on plastic bags (long overdue in my view). It seems the move led to a reduction of 90% of plastic bag usage in the Republic. What are we in Wales doing? While we wait for the Assembly to act, our customers are taking matters into their own hands.
We always ask our customers if they would like a bag, and we estimate that for every person needing a bag, 5 or 6 choose instead to put their purchase in a bag they already have. Despite that, some of our more regular customers have built up a little collection of Oyster bags which they can't bear to throw away. Instead, a couple have asked if we will have them back. The answer is, of course, a resounding "yes!" As long as they are clean and unbent, we can re-use them here.
Some will have alternative uses however. One customer told me that as soon as she got home, her toddler transferred all of his duplo into her emptied bag, and that's where it stayed. Start them early in their Oyster habit I say...
Friday 22nd June published by Jenny
Great news guys - we can all fly off to our summer destinations guilt free thanks to carbon offsetting. But why stop there? CheatNeutral offer an allied and equally useful service:
"When you cheat on your partner you add to the heartbreak, pain and jealousy in the atmosphere. Cheatneutral offsets your cheating by funding someone else to be faithful and NOT cheat. This neutralises the pain and unhappy emotion and leaves you with a clear conscience".
www.cheatneutral.com (taken from Ethical Consumer)
Thursday 6th June published by Jenny 2.50pm
In Praise of Iran
Anyone following the news will be aware of the constant Iran bashing that goes on. I don't claim to be an expert (in anything) but in search of a more balanced view, I have been reading the above books (thank you New Internationalist). What I read blew me away! Shirin Ebadi won the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work as a judge, and has written a really compulsive and engaging autobiography about her struggle. We Are Iran is a book of blogs, translated for our benefit. As a country with a repressed press and a huge population of under 25s, blogging verges on the obsessive. However, the book that touched me the most was the graphic novel Persepolis - an extremely personal and beautifully drawn account of one woman growing up in Iran, together with her painful teenage years in Austria and her subsequent return. Trust me - you won't read anything better!
Monday 23rd April published by Jenny 10.32am
Have you been watching the Paul Wolfowitz soap opera with undisguised glee or world weary resignation? Either way, now you can add to the pressure for him to resign. Watch a video of Wolfowitz starring in 'The Bank' and then add your name to the petition by following this link: www.avaaz.org/en/sack_wolfowitz
Friday 21st April published by Jenny 12.25pm
Calling all kids big and small .... Cardiff is soon to have its very own Woodcraft Folk group. The group is in the planning stages as we speak, and the smaller kids will be joining in from September.
For those who don't know what Woodcraft Folk groups are, think Scouts without the Queen, country and military stuff. This is a group for children to play games, go camping, make films, invent stories, learn to co-operate, and above all, make new friends. Find out more at www.cardiffwoodcraft.org.uk. Then get involved - meetings are held in Chapter and are open to all.
Wednesday 21st March published by Ceri 3.37pm
To all you howies lovers out there you will be very pleased to hear we have the first phase of the summer order in and there are some beauties.
So come and check it out.
Monday 12th March published by Jenny 2.55pm
ICAHD is a non-violent direct action group based in Israel originally established to oppose and resist Israeli demolition of Palestinian houses in the occupied territories. It has since expanded to include land expropriation, settlement expansion and wholesale uprooting of fruit and olive trees among other things.
For more information, check out www.icahduk.org
Friday 9th March published by Jenny 10.10am
China Blue Sunday 18th March 8.00pm Chapter Arts Centre
One thing that has challenged Ceri and I since we began has been the pursuit of great jeans. We all want the perfect pair, well cut, affordable and made with as little environmental impact as possible. On top of that it is, of course, a given at Oyster that the people who manufacture them are given full worker's rights.
Despite our best efforts, and those of our suppliers, we still have a long way to go. Still, at least we are trying. China Blue is an award winning film made by Teddy Bear Films (so named to give newspapers the immortal line 'Wal Mart sues Teddy Bear' should the time come). It is a film which exposes how most jeans are still made, and underlines for us all how crucial it is for the industry as a whole to be cleaned up.
The Wales One World Film Festival are showing China Blue on Sunday 18th March at 8.00pm at Chapter. Come along and see for yourself. Then join us in the discussion on the issues following the film.
Wednesday 7th March published by Ceri 4.00pmJen and I are very pleased to announce that finally our new stock is coming in. The shop has now come out of sale as the new stock from people tree, and the new jeans ascension are coming in. Got to check these out! Not long before howies and the other companies new spring/summer 07 will be joining them so come and check out the new stuff, it's great and is already proving to be popular.
Friday 2nd March published by Jenny 1.50pm
KUYICHI ARE COMING KUYICHI ARE COMING KUYICHI ARE COMING
For a taster of the future of fair trade clothing check out www.kuyichi.com.
Hi to anyone who saw the world's greatest band Half Man Half Biscuit at The Point last night. A recent convert I admit, but now working my way steadily through their awesome back catalogue. Not many girlies there - it was a seriously blokey affair. Well, all I can say is - you're missing out. Check out 'Chatteris' from Achtung Bono and I guarantee you'll be hooked!!!
Saturday 17th February published by Jenny 5.20pm
A great day today with people dropping in to say hi having been to the meeting in Queen Street against Trident organised by CND and the Stop the War Coalition. If you want to join the demonstration in London on Feb 24th, buses are being organised. Ring 07940 108 146 for more info.
On an allied subject, my New Internationalist came through the post this week focussing on Iran. Not all mad mullahs and veiled ladies (surprise surprise) the NI looks on the issues concerning most Iranians today. We will have a few for sale in the next week or so, so come in and pick one up.
My favourite quote written on an Iranian blog:
God invented war so that Americans can learn geography
Wednesday 14th February published by Jenny 1.00pm
We are closing tomorrow Thursday 15th and Monday 19th of February to visit our suppliers. We will be open as normal on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th Feb. We will be seeing howies which is always a pleasure, and putting in our order for the spring stock. This should be with us in March. We are also visiting Kuyichi who will be new for us. We are incredibly excited about this addition to our ranges. We will let you know more next week.
Attila and David Rovics did us proud on Sunday. A great night was had by all. Of particular delight to us was the numbers of people who came to see Attila and were blown away by discovering David for the first time. Many thanks to Robert Minhinnick also who contributed to the evening with his poems. Callaghans was a great venue, and I'm sure we'll be back there soon. We also made £235 for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign - a great result all round.
Don't forget we are showing Iraq for Sale tomorrow night, at 8.30pm at Chapter. We are also showing Robert Minhinnick's short film 'Black Hands' beforehand to remind us of the true impact of war on the civilian population. Powerful stuff.
Wednesday 31st January published by Ceri 11.22am
OYSTER'S NEXT TOP MODEL.....
Yes folks Oyster are finally going ahead to start their first trial at a fully functional online shop. However we are going to need to get two distinct looking people (one male, one female) to help us show off the clothing online. The female models will be first used since this is the first section to be going up on the internet. Interested? Just send us a photo of yourself with your details to the address below, alternatively by email to Ceri@oysterclothing.co.uk
Oyster Models
Oyster Clothing
28 Castle Arcade
CARDIFF
CF10 1BW
Tuesday 30th January published by Jenny 1.40pm
We are celebrating the end of January with the first delivery of our spring stock would you believe?! Our new range of Chandni Chowk clothing has arrived which blend in effortlessly with the winter stock. There are some new shapes as well which are longer in the body and really elegant. Come and treat yourself.
Thursday 25th January published by Jenny 5.20pm
Ceri and I went down to London on Monday to meet the guys at People Tree. Shanna and Jules incredibly friendly, and very adept at feeding us endless tea, doughnuts and sandwiches. We had a good rifle through their spring and autumn ranges, tried on tons of clothes (mostly a seriously tight size 8) and pronounced the clothes fantabulous! We will be putting in an order for spring in the next week and expect arrivals in early March. Watch this space...
Saturday 20th January published by Jenny 5.00pm
stop press stop press stop press stop press stop press stop
I am very excited to announce that Robert Minhinnick, celebrated Welsh poet and winner of 2006 Wales Book of the Year award for "To Babel and Back" will be joining us at both of our events. More information on our Events page...
Thursday 11th January published by Ceri 5.00pm
Yes Oyster has found another wonderful venue!!! Unfortunately Dempseys, are not going to be able to have us.
The gig on Febuary the 11th will now be held in the lovely venue of Callaghans, which is just down the road from Demseys on Castle street. Oh yeah!
So come one come all, same details apply, we will be opening the doors from 7.30pm and the tickets will cost £7 adult or £5 concession (over 18s only please). Should be great and good fun more than anything else.
Also we are trying to get 100 people so invite as many as you want, friends, family etc... It will be great to see you all.
SALESALESALESALESALESALESALESALE
Yes we are now on sale. Oyster has come on a long way since opening our doors in August 2005. While we have got many things right, we also suffered from the optimism of innocence early on and significantly over ordered on certain items. It is now time to clear our stock rooms to make way for our new lines. This is where you benefit. Come down and get yourself some bargains - everything is reduced by a minimum of 30% and some items are only £10.
Those who stand to benefit especially are fans of Chandni Chowk clothing who fit a size 14 or above. We are also selling stunning linen skirts and Chinese jackets for £80 (reduced from £115) and waistcoats to match at £41 (from £59) If you live further away, check out our on-line sale. Incidentally, we plan to improve our on-line facility for the spring clothing, so watch this space...
Saturday 30th December published by Jenny 5.20pm
Info on the David Rovics/Attila the Stockbroker gig and the Iraq for Sale film are both now on our Events page. By the way - Halflight are playing at the Barfly on 19th January. Well worth checking out...
Sunday 24th December published by Jenny 2.50pm
Before I leave the shop in favour of mince pies and wine, I am really keen to let you know about another event we are organising. I'll try and put more information about both events on the website in the New Year. However, get this date in your diary - Sunday 11th February 2007 upstairs at Dempseys in Castle Street, Cardiff (the old Four Bars Inn). Punk poet from Brighton Attila the Stockbroker, and singer/songwriter championed by Andy Kershaw, David Rovics. Both very different in style but both passionate about politics. They put on a good show. So make sure you get the message out. Meanwhile, Happy Holidays to you all, and many thanks for your continuing support. Ceri and I really appreciate it!
Friday 15th December published by Jenny 11.30am
There's a great flurry of interest in the St Davids II development. It is incredibly exciting to have John Lewis and other multiples come to our shores so we are told. (Coming from London I remember John Lewis as the place your grandparents bought knitting wool...)
But what about the independent shops that make Cardiff different from other city centres? Spillers 'the oldest record shop in the world' has been in the Hayes since the 1940s, and existed since the turn of the last century. Despite it's grand old age, it is fun and funky to visit and the guys who run it are really friendly.
Unfortunately Spillers is right at the epicentre of the new developments, and is facing a huge rent rise as a result which will send them under. There is a petition at Spillers, and on-line at www.spillersrecords.co.uk (click on on-line petition). We have one on our counter as well which is causing great passion among our customers. Remember to support your independent shops - sign the petition.
Friday 1st December published by Jenny 3.00pm
We are extremely excited to announce that we will be hosting a viewing of Iraq for Sale in Chapter Arts Centre on Thursday 15th February at 8.30pm. The film is made by Robert Greenwald who was also behind the Walmart expose. This one has been funded entirely by personal donations, and is being distributed via a network of individuals like us arranging private screenings worldwide. Come and see the film that has created a stir in the USA. Meanwhile, check them out at www.iraqforsale.org.
Friday 24th November published by Jenny 1.30pm
BUY NOTHING DAY - 24th and 25th November
There is nothing we love more in Oyster than a juicy clash of interests - and there is no shortage of those within the ethical trading movement.
We would be lying (not to mention bankrupt) if we suggested we didn't want you to shop with us this weekend. However we also know that buying ethically isn't the whole answer. The structural issues which lead to the global trading rules being rigged are still firmly in place, and we all need to campaign for a change.
If you plan to celebrate Buy Nothing Day with a long walk or watching the rugby, then enjoy. But spare five minutes to log onto the Make Trade Fair website and sign the Big Noise petition.
http://www.maketradefair.com/en/index.php?file=issues_dumping.htm&cat=2&subcat=2&select=1
If you are in town (we won't tell...) remember to pick up a 'Ripped Off' leaflet from us, and send the attached postcard to Alistair Darling to make your views felt.Thursday 16th November published by Jenny 2.00pm
Statistics of the day (with thanks to Food Magazine 74)
1 kg of wheat embodies 1,000 litres of water 1 kg of cheese embodies 5,000 litres of water 1 kg of beef embodies 15,000 litres of water 1 cup of coffee embodies 140 litres of water 1 sheet of A4 paper embodies 10 litres of water 1 glass of beer embodies 75 litres of water 1 hamburger embodies 2,400 litres of water
Wednesday 8th November published by Jenny 5.10pm
No - it's nothing to do with Europe. It's the only photo I could find... I just had to blog about the latest NI on Ethical Shopping. We have many conversations with customers here about the provenance of clothes, monitoring, the benefit or otherwise of the High Street jumping on the band wagon etc. Rarely however have I seen the issues approached so well as in this month's issue. The NI is never as much fun as when it's attacking it's own. We've got a few copies here - so come and get one.
NI Statistic of the day:
In 2004 the UK imported 43,993 tonnes of potatoes whilst exporting 85,652. We also imported 25,720 tonnes of milk and cream whilst at the same time exporting 27,125 tonnes.
Saturday 28th October published by Jenny 4.15pm
We are proud to announce that Oyster is One! We plan to celebrate on our first Sunday opening on the run up to Christmas. Come and join us for a glass of organic white wine between 12.00 and 4.00pm on Sunday 5th November.
We have all our winter stock now in including warm and funky clothes from howies, and winter clothes from Chandni Chowk in a sumptuous range of colours. As a present to all our supporters, we will be giving 10% off all non-sale items for that day only.
Friday 13th October published by Jenny 1.15pm
"Always forgive your enemies. Nothing annoys them more." Oscar Wilde
Wednesday 11th October published by Ceri 2.04pm
Hello all! The autumn is definitely here and we have some new companies arriving to celebrate this, yes Gossypium has finally landed in Oyster with all their beautiful tops and bottoms which are ideal for all those Yoga lovers out there. We have also got in the majority of the howies winter selection now, including their beautiful jumpers and great scarfs and hats so come one come all and check it out!! Also we have ordered more socks!! to help keep your feet warm as winter sets in. brrrrrrr.
Tuesday 3rd October published by Jenny 2.30pm
The jewellery lovers among you may have noticed the beautiful pendants made from silver and dichroic glass. These are made by our good friend Suzie Horan who moved from Cardiff to Sheffield to undertake a silversmithing course a couple of years ago. All her hard work is paying off, and she is already winning recognition for her beautiful silverware. Congratulations Suzie.
Monday 2nd October published by Ceri 12.51pm
Hi There! Don't know if some of you guys remember the gorgeous Knox shirt we had in for last winter. It was one of our best sellers and recently has claimed it's own fame in an advert (see above) done by one of our lovely friend Sian Grieve. How great is this! Thanks Sian. It looks fab! By the way Sian is the second from the left.
Tuesday 26th September published by Jenny 10.45am
We are pleased as punch to announce the arrival of our most stunning jewellery to date. It is brought to us by Art Kem, a French company working closely with the Touareg people of Niger. The jewellery we carry is made largely of silver and ebony and created by skilled artisans who use traditional crafting techniques. Unfortunately, our website won't accept the video Art Kem sent us, but if you follow the link below, the top right image is a brilliant little film of the life of the area. Have fun - then come and see for yourself.
Wednesday 20th September published by Jenny 4.55pm
I already know you guys like all things fair trade and ethical, but how about your place of work. Are you paragons of virtue or do you still dip into your regular jar of Nescafe? Either way, read on:
Calling all Cardiff Businesses
In 2004 Cardiff became the world’s first Fairtrade Capital, and since then the Fair Trade Cardiff partnership has been working to raise awareness of fair trade issues and to make fair trade goods more widely available across the city. There are now over 130 businesses, organizations and local groups in Cardiff using fair trade products.
We want to get more local businesses, large or small, to support Cardiff’s Fairtrade Capital status by converting to fair trade. You could help guarantee a better deal for third world producers simply by serving fair trade tea and coffee during meetings, by providing fair trade fruit and snacks in the staff canteen, or by selling fair trade products in your shop.
If you’re a business already using fair trade then please let us know!
For more information on Fair Trade Cardiff:
www.cardiff.gov.uk/sustainabledevelopment (and click on ‘Fairtrade’)
To obtain a Fair Trade Business Pack explaining how you can convert to fair trade please contact:
Sustainable Development Unit, Cardiff Council, CF10 4UW
Tel: 029 2087 3482 / 3228
Email: sustainabledevelopment@cardiff.gov.uk
Thursday 7th September 2006 published by Jenny 11.20am
Labour Behind the Label have quoted an interesting story about Primark found in Irish newspaper The Post:
"(Managing Director Arthur) Ryan was approached by a factory owner with a product costing £5 that would sell for £10. Ryan reportedly told him he was not interested unless he came back with a product that cost £3 and could be sold for £7. 'I don't care how you go about it - just do it' he said".
Now we all know how he can afford his posh premises on Queen Street...
For anyone who shops on the High Street (don't we all?) there is a way you can let your favourite chains how you feel. Come into Oyster and pick up a Labour Behind the Label postcard. Pin your receipt onto it and send it to Head Office. Simple!
Tuesday 5th September 2006 published by Jenny 11.00am
I have come back bronzed and relaxed from Spain where the interior of the country is one great film set for the brilliant Jamon Jamon (check it out if you haven't already). Ceri and I celebrated my return by hotfooting it to the Lesbian and Gay Mardi Gras in Cooper's Field on Saturday. We had the great fortune to have a stall next to Stonewall who, apart from being a great campaigning organisation, proved to be great fun (and existing customers of ours to boot!)
Moving on, I like the story of Jonah Peretti, an American student, as reported by Rahila Gupta in the Guardian today. In 2001 he responded to Nike's offer of a personalised ID in every pair shoes with a request to have the word "sweatshop" stitched into his. The company refused. One of the reasons cited was: "Your personal ID contains profanity or inappropriate slang".
Friday 25th August 2006 published by Ceri 1.51pm
Hi all, i bet you have been wondering what's been going on recently. Well it's official Jen is on holiday! Three weeks! Coming back next Thursday. And so it's been me fully in charge with the running of the shop. The fact it hasn't fallen down has been more than a blessing!
So I thought i would say hi and tell you all we are still in sale. Our autum/winter stock should hopefully be in in September but we will keep you posted on the actual date. Looking forward to it though.
Also big news! It's our birthday coming up. Can't believe it's almost been a year. We will i'm sure celebrate in some fashion.
Tuesday 1st August 2006 published by Jenny 3.25pm
Look what has just arrived in our midsts... a shop/centre dedicated to sustainable building and decorating materials. Check them out at www.rounded-developments.org.uk or drop down and see them in Splott. Best of luck guys.
Friday 28th July 2006 published by Jenny 2.30pm
I have to admit to being a tad smug in this sweltering heat and amid soaring gas prices. 18 months ago we invested in a solar panel which provided us with luke warm water last summer. However, since early May this year we have had more boiling hot water than we know what to do with, and so it continues!
Obviously one tiny solar panel isn't going to save the world, but investing in alternative energy sources on a wider scale are critical - not least to avoid going down the nuclear route.
Greenpeace have produced a great DVD called 'What are we waiting for?' which lays out the arguments in favour of a decentralised energy strategy. Get one, watch it and send it to your favoured political representative today!
Ask us for a copy at Oyster, or get your own directly from robin.oakley@uk.greenpeace.org. But if you want to see it straight away they have now published it on you tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klooRS-Jjyo
Friday 21st July 2006 published by Jenny 3.55pm
Ceri and I have been busy this week steaming boxes of clothes in readiness for our Oyster Summer Sale. Hot work, but worth it! Come and check out howies and Hug t-shirts from £15 for men and £10 for women, as well as jeans and jumpers for those of you who can imagine it ever cooling down.
After your shop, relax in some yoga kit (see above) £20 for the outfit. I think I'll give the exercise a miss, but the wine looks good...
Saturday 15th July 2006 published by Jenny 2.55pm
What with holidays, kids concerts etc., Ceri and I have drafted in a little help over the past couple of weeks. Thanks Kit for your help, and for re-introducing me to the Ecologist magazine. I remember thinking it was a bit of a worthy read when I was a student, but either I have become more earnest (hardly) or the magazine is a better read.
The copy I read was dedicated mainly to the current debate on nuclear power. Not only was it completely readable, but every argument you are likely to have thrown at you is countered by the detailed explanations in the mag. Get your hands on a copy, then harangue your MP. Tony can't be allowed to get away with this one!
For more ramblings from March and earlier, go to our archive