The Cronx Boutique is a collective of three local brands, all passionate about Croydon. The Croydon Photographer, East Croydon Cool and Johnny Howl Club all create community-inspired artwork and merchandise to enhance local pride.
After initially collaborating at several Made in Croydon markets at Boxpark, we joined forces again in December 2019 to set up the first official Cronx Boutique; our very own pop-up store on Caithness Walk (part of the Ruskin Square development). The unique space welcomed thousands of visitors, secured coverage across a range of press titles, raised money for a local charity and hosted a series of small events.
Having scrapped 2020 plans due to you know what (!), the 2021 Cronx Boutique ran for two months, and included a strong focus on supporting other local creatives. Recognising the impact lockdown had on fellow artists, the 2021 pop up ran a number of initiatives to help spotlight local talent.
Alongside products from the Croydon Photographer, East Croydon Cool and Johnny Howl Club, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday we welcomed another Croydon creative to the shop floor, who was able to sell their wares directly to customers without the high costs a normal retail space would entail. These Weekend Sellers included: Three Piece Sweet (vintage clothing and vinyl), Ray Ray‘s Flowers (floral bouquets), So & So Studio (slow-made vintage vibe jewellery), Mr Tinto (Colombian coffee), S.V.M (handmade dresses and accessories) and House of Lilah (art inspired candles and teas).
During the week, the Cronx Boutique also provided the Pick-Up Point for several local bakers (including Laborjee, Chatsworth Bakehouse and Dear Friend Bakery), who were able to use the space to meet customers in a central location and hand over their baked treats.
Music played in the Cronx Boutique was courtesy of Croydon FM – the local community radio station that received FM Status in September 2021.
With interior design direction once again provided by Croydon based Creative Consultant, Laura Sawyer, the Cronx Boutique was not your typical Christmas pop-up. The chic black exterior was juxtaposed by organic materials including wood, stone, plants and dried flowers to create an environment now coined as “Dark Urban Sparkle” 😉
In summary, the Cronx Boutique was once again the perfect place to buy Christmas gifts for colleagues, clients, friends and family whilst showing support for local creatives. Items are priced from £3 and include art prints, candles, mugs, t-shirts, tote bags, magnets, notebooks, cards, coasters and more!
The Cronx Boutique ran from Wednesday 3rd November to Friday 24th December.
Address: 1 Caithness Walk, CR0 9XF (next to Mr Tinto Coffee Roasters)
For more info about the 2021 Cronx Boutique – see this BLOG POST.
For more info about the 2019 Cronx Boutique – see this BLOG POST
WALKING DIRECTION VIDEO from East Croydon Station
Press Coverage 2021
EAST CROYDON COOL 