OYSTER - Why Shop With Us?

Why does Cardiff need another clothes shop? It's a good question and here are a few answers....

We Trade Fairly

In today's world, clothing is a truly global business. You know about the sweat shops and where most of the worlds clothing is made. How do you ensure that your purchases aren't supporting appalling working conditions and poverty wages?

And yet the complexity of the issues prevents clothing recieving the fairtrade mark which is widely used for food. However, we are a member the British Association of Fair Trade Clothes (BAFTS), as are three of our main suppliers, which is the next best thing.

We chose our other suppliers because they strive to be ethical in a very tough enviroment. They check their factories regularly, make clothes which are designed to last and, above all, are open about what they do. With fair trade being a growth area, there are new companies starting up all the time. We plan to keep up to date and constantly stock the best products at Oyster.

We Care About The Enviroment

Let's be honest, when you buy from us, you rachet up those "clothes miles" as much as in any other shop. Still, there are ways the impact can be reduced, and we support suppliers who feel the way we do. Most of our cotton is organic and the dyes are natural, reducing the chemical load in the soil. With very few exceptions, Oyster clothing can be washed in a machine, reducing need for dry cleaning chemicals. That's just for starters.

We Only Choose Great Designs That We Know Will Wear Well

We may have principles, but we want to have style to. We don't believe in "Fashion" which is out of date at the end of a season - we believe in good quality, great looking, practical clothes that last.

We Believe In Customer Service

It's hard to imagine, we know, but not everyone is confident about their body. We strive to create a friendly, non-threatening enviroment in which to shop. We are on hand to find your size, give you advice or more information if you ask for it. We want you to leave the shop looking good and feeling confident. That way, we'll see you again and maybe your friends as well.

Our Clothes And Accessories Are Great Value For Money

Ok - we know you can buy T-shirts for three quid in Tescos. Faced with that, our shop can seem a bit pricey. We admit that. But given the above, we have confidence that you will see why.

We Are Independent

What you see is what you'll get! We're not part of some global outfit backed by an advertising budget of millions and a seductive marketing message. We sell you clothes and accessories that we buy in from like minded suppliers. They design and commision their products from the best manufacturers. That's it!

We Give You The Last Say

You might be surprised to know that we don't have all the answers. Sourcing clothes ethically is a very tricky business and we may not always get it right. If you know something we don't about our choice of suppliers, or want to question us, or simply fancy a chat about what we do, don't be shy. Talk to us.