Lifestyle store RE opens permanent shop exclusively in Liberty

It was a pleasant surprise last week at Liberty, when invited to the launch of RE, the much-loved lifestyle store from Northumberland, to find that it's co-owned and directed by the husband of one of my ex PR colleagues from back in the day. 

RE is a fabulously eclectic Re-found brand that was launched by Simon Young and Jenny Vaughan in a converted garage in 2003 in the wilds of Northumberland and sells anything that corresponds with their idea of what is beautiful, “not precious or prescriptive, differentiating ourselves by offering the unexpected in unusual combinations making us unique,” says Jenny. Simon adds “We love utility, both old and new, small runs and mass production alike. We also sell cared-for second hand pieces like garden tools, lighting, textiles and furniture, because they are functional and still work. We also have recycled and fair trade products and our own exclusive range designed in house under the REgd. brand.” 

RE  first came to Liberty's attention when the buyer was sourcing crockery for their exclusive dept store and stumbled upon designs (by a designer and supplier of Simon & Jenny). The buyer followed the trail back to RE and, from this, a pop up shop came about in the store last Summer that was a huge success, so much so, that when Liberty accrued some additional space in their 4th floor area, they offered part of this to RE as it fits so well with the brand, the ethos and the high taste level of the Liberty store. The 700 sq foot space offers raRE, REmarkable, REcycled, REscued and REstored homewares and accessories.

Simon & Jenny say that “Today’s home owners are more ‘nomads’, they create home out of whatever they want, whenever they want, wherever they want, and out of the new, the old, the second hand, the mass produced and the hand crafted. It’s been our RE philosophy since day one.”

The Liberty space, just off the East Atrium will be divided into key product categories with an ever-changing calendar of seasonal displays focusing on key events and past times such as; the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the British summer time, harvest festival and folklore, Halloween and of course a REcycled Christmas.

The ‘eat’ area will house candy-hued American milk glass cake stands, printed plates, coloured glass and a new range of skull shot-glasses and tea light holders. The ‘cook’ section will focus on tea towels, vintage storage jars, scales and biscuit cutters. ‘Shrine’ is dedicated to Simon and Jenny’s love of ‘Day of the Dead’ motifs and Mexican trinkets, and a new ‘Last Supper’ print range of tea towels and plates. ‘Outdoor’ will feature rusty metal signs, restored garden furniture, vintage pots and tools. ‘Utility’ will cater for the cleaning obsessed and those with a love of hardware. Vintage wool blankets and a new range of school blazer stripe cushions make up ‘living’. Old maps and vintage framed pin boards make ‘office’ the perfect place to pick up items to make working a little more bearable.

Take a look at RE in Liberty or online HERE. You may be not be REsponsible for how much you want to buy.