If you not familiar with HomeSense they are part of the same retail group as TK Maxx and sell homeware items at discounted rates.
For me personally shopping in all TJX stores is a bit like a treasure hunt… the variety of products, constantly changing stock and reduced prices makes it great place to look to unique gifts, condiments, books, kitchen gadgets, one-off home décor pieces, craft supplies and in my case props for photography as well. I’m visiting one of their stores at least once a week and every single time I find something that I absolutely must have, it’s addictive.
But the best thing is that TK Maxx / HomeSense stock items from all around the World so you can find lots of authentic spices and gadgets hard to find elsewhere. At the moment TJX is working with communities in Western Uganda and will be selling a wide range of unique hand-crafted homeware and locally farmed coffee to help some of the most disadvantaged families to increase their incomes so they can afford to send their children to school.
Since 2008 when they started working together with Save The Children in the war torn Rwenzori region of Uganda enabling more than 10,000 children to go to school by developing trade opportunities for the communities and improving their skills in producing cotton, cocoa, coffee and crafts to sell on the international market. Eight years on school attendance in this area has risen from 53% of children to 91%. Quite impressive!
Special delivery of the Rwenzori Trading Company goods (some are pictured below) will be available on sale in HomeSense and selected TK Maxx stores from 13th of July, but hurry, once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Baskets
Made out of local materials, handmade baskets in variety of shapes, colours and designs. Traditionally weaved by 1,300 local women whose income helps support their families and send their children to school. Baskets cost £4.99 – £29.99.
Coffee
TK Maxx and HomeSense are working with 760 coffee farmers in the Rwenzori mountains. The range includes plain ground coffee prices: £2.99 for 227 g, £5.99 for 500 g and six flavoured coffees at £3.99 per pack.
Drums
The drums are handmade from cowhide by the farmers of the Ngeye Traditional Crafts Group in Central Uganda and cost £4.99 – 24.99.
Horn Products
The Ankole cow horn is a by-product of the food industry in Uganda. The horns are turned into decorative ornaments, bowls, dishes, utensils and cups. The prices vary from £4.99 to £24.99.
NOTES
More about HomeSense products can be found in Tried & Tested reviews I previously posted.
I’m loving those cow horn products which I’ve never seen before as well as all the pretty basket products:-)
I am TK Maxx fiend and now a Homesense one too. In the US I grew up with TJ Maxx and was really pleased when they moved here (even with the to me confusing letter change!). I feather like that I don’t know what I might find, but I almost always walk out with something for the kitchen or home. I will most definitely have to go in from 13 July and peruse this new selection. It is one of the more socially responsible-sounding companies out there. IT is certainly where I go to get my Red Nose Day products
rather, not feather!
Love the salad servers and colourful flat bowl. I’m always in my local TK Maxx but yet to find a Homesense near me. I would spend so much! (But I’m sure get lots of things for my money)
Something else tempting for my suitcase this summer.
I am a serious TK Maxx fan and I always dash straight to the kitchen wares department (although I’m guessing I’m not the only food blogger that does this!) as you can find some real treasures for prop styling. Must admit I’ve never heard of Homesense, off to find out if we have one nearby…
Janie x
Love tkmaxx. Must look out for some of these items. The spoons are so cute!
Lovely lovely products. Those baskets take some making I imagine to get the pattern right.