The Brixton Pound is a currency local to Brixton. It's a neat yet slightly strange concept. In return for sterling, you get a currency that can only be spent in certain shops, bars, and restaurants (about 250) in the Brixton area.
This way, you're 'forced' to use local, independent businesses, who in return offer discounts and bonuses to folks who use Brixton Pounds. I say 'forced' as it's easy to say you'll 'shop local and independent', but sometimes harder to do in practice. Strapped for time, I'll often resort to high street chains, whereas a pocket of Brixton Pounds will make me think (and plan) to seek out the independent guys.
It was the design of these notes that struck me most though. A clean, crisp, cool looking currency, designed with a real attention to detail - using Brixton heroes and various counterfeit measures built into the design. I'd say their design trumps the humble pound.
Does anyone know of any similar concepts in the rest of the UK and beyond? - Nik
Nik ... the Bristol Pound (http://bristolpound.org/what) seems to have been the first city-wide local currency and it's a city with so many choices about where to spend, spend, spend. Apart from hanging out in Cabot Circus, a visit to http://brownintown.co.uk an amazing tailor who plies his trade in the Cigar Humidor in the Hotel du Vin is a must for satorial advice and bespoke tailoring. The Bowie tenner in the Brixton currency is so cool. Worth framing ...
ReplyDeleteBristol has had it's own currency for a while now, it's such a cool idea and a brilliant way to support local business!
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of the Brixton pound and i lived in Stockwell for a year! I think its brilliant, the market is so vibrant and it would be a shame for small independents to die out because of big high street chains. Fantastic
ReplyDeleteI hadn't either Laura - and I live in the same place! They threw a good party though and the designs are awesome. Not sure I visit Brixton enough to justify taking some mind you...
ReplyDeleteI think a city wide initiative would be really good. It's seems a shame just to limit it to one area, but I suppose they have to be focused and support their community. Will have to check out the look of the Bristol currency...thanks!
ReplyDeleteI agree. The Bowie one is very cool indeed. They had some large ones printed up for the event. Made for great posters. I probably wouldn't want to it if I had one...
ReplyDeleteThere's such a positive 'shop local' movement buzzing not so far under the surface. I've promised myself a trip to http://brokfootwear.co.uk a gorgeous looking independent in Shrewsbury. Interesting to see how vibrant the cities are; but for rural souls, it is much more of a struggle to find great design/fashion/lifestyle independents. Plenty of foodies, I guess though, by way of counterbalance.
ReplyDeleteReally crazy designs, I love it.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, what a very interesting idea. Thanks for sharing this because it's the first I've heard of it.
ReplyDeleteTom from the B£ here, thanks for the nice write up Nik and I'm glad you enjoyed our party too! There are lots of nascent local currencies that hopefully, with a bit of luck, will spring up over the next year or so. They are great ways to celebrate your local area, support small businesses, and start asking questions around where money comes from (you might be surprised!).
ReplyDeleteNo worries! That's what we're here for. Loving showing stuff that folks might not have seen.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom! Good luck with it all! Keep us posted on any new updates to the design or expanded coverage or anything...
ReplyDeleteWhat a really cool concept! I wonder how that sits with folks who aren't actually interested in local shopping in brixton?
ReplyDeleteLoved Bowie's!
ReplyDeleteLots of love, xx
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