Opening in August in the unit previously occupied by the Bepo pop up store on St Werburgh street, Karigarwala will be bringing their brand to the UK for the first time.

Pushti : Shubhangam, Pushpit

Over 2 floors, the store will offer home decor, apparels, some furniture, artefacts and artworks all sourced from artisan Indian craft workers. Owner Shubhangam Singh founded the brand to preserve and promote traditional Indian craftsmanship as well as providing artisans with sustainable livelihoods. Recently named as one of the 20 Under 35 Emerging Designers of India, Shubhangam commented: “Karigarwala offers craftspeople both design support whilst also connecting them with customers who appreciate handmade, ethical products. Currently we are working with more than 1,700 artisans and 50 self-help groups in Northern India.”

“The brand that we are bringing here is artisanal products. there are a lot of crafts in India, in remote villages where people are working by hand, with embroidery and printing techniques. We are modernising it a bit based on the design language in the UK market. The majority of the first collection will be focusing on a state in India called Rajasthan. It is the land of colours!” explained Pushti, one of the team at Karigarwala.

Chester has been selected for the company’s first UK store. They will be joining other new retailers on the street including Brook Taverner, Lucy and Yak and Rodd and Gunn.

“We wanted to enter the UK market, and we were exploring where to position ourselves. We wanted to come to Chester to cater to UK audiences and also the tourists. We didn’t want to start off in a massive city in London. We are planning to expand to other cities , Bath, York and Norwich. “

The opening date for the new shop will be announced soon.