After four successful years of blending unique design with charitable fundraising, We Are Not A Shop will officially close its virtual doors on December 17.
Founded by Lady Stephanie Laing, supported by the late Sir Martin Laing, this online store has become renowned for its carefully curated selection of unusual new and antique homeware items, artworks, gifts and jewellery, with many pieces also promoting and preserving the local heritage – and all raising vital funds for two local charities, Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal and St John Ambulance and Rescue.
To mark the occasion, We Are Not A Shop will host two Open House events on November 15 and 16, where shoppers can enjoy browsing one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts such as furniture, lamps, jewellery and Christmas decorations, as well as stocking fillers for all ages, prior to purchasing online. The events promise to be a great opportunity for Christmas shopping, with a special 25% discount on all totals over €100.
“We are immensely grateful to everyone who has supported We Are Not A Shop over the years,” says Stephanie Laing. “This project began as an experiment, and we never imagined how many people would be touched by it or how much good it could do. Thanks to our customers, whom we will miss dearly, we’ve raised hundreds of thousands of euros for charity.”
Launched just before the pandemic in 2020, the site operated under a simple yet impactful model – every cent donated for the myriad items on offer went directly to charity, with absolutely no operational costs deducted. We Are Not A Shop was a primary contributor to the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal, helping the Appeal to successfully raise the €9 million needed to complete the restoration of the iconic St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral in Valletta. Meanwhile, the popular site also supports St John Ambulance and Rescue, a volunteer organisation providing first aid and rescue services across the island. To date, We Are Not A Shop has raised almost €200,000 for these hugely worthy causes.
Shoppers can continue to purchase items online at www.wearenotashop.com until December 17, with offerings including Christmas gifts, faux flowers and plants, artwork, antique collectibles, books and homeware. The final stretch of We Are Not A Shop’s journey will feature more opportunities for late-night shopping on November 28 and December 7.
The two Open House events will be hosted by We Are Not A Shop on November 15 from 10am to 6pm, and November 16 from 10am to 2pm. For more information and to make final purchases, visit www.wearenotashop.com.
