We Return To Leamington Spa To Spread Some Positivity This Christmas

We Return To Leamington Spa To Spread Some Positivity This Christmas & 2021

“We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place; we stay there, even though we go away. And there are things in us that we can find again only by going back there.” ― Pascal Mercier, Night Train to Lisbon.

They often say that home is where the heart is. It is a place that shapes us and where our big dreams are born. We forge meaningful connections with people in our hometowns that last a lifetime. Every time we return, familiar sights, scents, and hidden corners unlock endless memories - transporting us straight back into our youthful, hopeful, and carefree selves. We remember a time when the world was our oyster.

Something is very comforting about traveling home, which is why it feels so soul-enriching for Positive Outlook to be returning to founder Harvey Broadbent’s childhood stomping ground Royal Leamington Spa. In the form of a pop-up store in the infamous Royal Priors shopping centre. Christmas just caught a BIG case of positivity.

Back to where it all began

Royal Leamington Spa holds a unique place in Harvey's heart, creating nostalgic memory after nostalgic memory. Hometowns leave traces on us, and we leave traces on them. Harvey grew up in Warwickshire, attending Princethorpe College and playing for Old Leamingtonians RFC. As he wandered around Royal Priors in his school days, longing over items which were beyond his pocket-money-sized-budget, who would have thought that over a decade later, life would come full circle. The brand he went on to humbly create in the back of his modest converted shed would now be pined over in Royal Priors by the youth of today (to name a few) and in the middle of a pandemic, no less. It truly feels like a tangible and heart-warming symbol of achievement for Harvey and the Positive Outlook team. While the rest of the world stood still, we ran full speed into every challenge that faced us with passion and a smile.

Leamington loves independents, and as small business owners, we can feel the nurturing and empowering support here. The pandemic has helped open up the conversation surrounding ethical consumerism to a broader audience, with many now realising just how much power their purchasing habits hold. At Christmas, a pop-up store felt like the perfect time to help provide that ethical alternative to lining the pockets of big, depersonalised corporations. We want to re-connect directly with our customer base. It's the single most remarkable thing about owning a business of this nature. Everyone comes in and leaves with a smile. We want our local customers to feel how the products feel, see the intricate packaging, and most importantly, get an authentic feel for the brand's energy.

If the pandemic has highlighted one thing, it is essential to feel a sense of connection and community, so we also wanted to show our support for other independents and creatives in our store. From a live painting event with artist Katie O, Complete Unity Yoga’s eco-friendly yoga mats, Sage and Grace's soothing scents, and Ottoathome’s unique prints & ceramics – good things happen when brands support other brands.

Ultimately, we want to end this year on a high and spread some much-needed Positivity, person to person. Be sure to pop in!

Disclaimer: All information is subject to ever-evolving government guidelines regarding Covid and therefore may change.