Thoughts for August 2008
Roll up, roll up for Ruby Red!
For most beauty companies ‘market research’ means paying people to stand in the street with clipboards asking passers-by daft questions like, “if this hairspray was an orange, what would it taste like?”
At Ruby Red we’d rather find out direct from our customers exactly why they love our products. That’s why every weekend finds us up bright and early to set up the trusty Ruby Red stall at our favourite London markets. It’s there that we meet the people who make a real difference to what we do – you lot! Whether it’s tourists looking for great gift ideas, or our regulars replenishing their stock of organic bath soaks, it’s great to take the chance to chat. We wouldn’t miss it for the world – after all, where else would be get the lowdown on the mysterious Lambananas? (read on for the full story).
To market, to market!
You can meet the team and buy our wonderful collection of handmade organic bath soaks and shea butters at our two regular London locations. Catch us every Saturday at the gorgeous Cabbages & Frocks market on Marylebone Road (just opposite the Conran shop) – or on most Sundays at the Farmers Market in Alexandra Palace , Muswell Hill. See you there.
Snap us in action and win a free bath soak
...and when you do come and see us, remember to bring your digital camera down with you. The first ten customers to take a picture of the Ruby Red team in action and post it on our Facebook Fan page will win themselves a gorgeous organic bath soak. Just remember to capture our best side…(and no, that doesn’t mean ‘from the back’ smarty pants!)
Market marvels
We met Liverpudlian Julie Cartwright when she came to Cabbages and Frocks Market in Marylebone to buy some Ruby Red Lavender Bath Soak for a friend who was feeling a little stressed out. That’s where we first found out about the Lambananas – mysterious half lamb, half banana animals who tend to get a little lost…
”The original Lambanana was created by a Chinese chap in the 1980s to try and capture the ‘Spirit of Liverpool’” says Julie. ”This year, to celebrate Liverpool being named European City of Culture we’ve got around 108 different ones spread around the city. There’s one in Albert Docks, another outside the Liver Building, some are in shops – and one even made it down to Euston Station. But he can’t get back, because he hasn’t got a ticket to ride!”
We’ve posted some pics of the little blighters (or should that be ‘bleeters’?) on our Facebook fan page , please add your own if you spot one on your travels!
ECO TIP of the month:
A cup of tea or coffee may be the best way to get going in the morning (especially if you’ve got to be at the market by 6am) – but do you really need a plastic cup to go with your daily dose of caffeine? To save on waste, try bringing your own flask or mug to be filled up at the coffee shop. It may raise a few eyebrows the first time you present it to staff – but trust us – after two or three times you’ll have started a new trend. Who knows? Maybe next season all fashion-forward coffee drinkers will be sporting ‘This is not a plastic cup’ mugs to go with their eco-chic hessian bags.
Grab some summer sun
With summer 2008 finally making a last minute bid for true sun-drenched glory we’d like to remind you that there’s less than a month left to buy Ruby Red’s own contribution to the sunshine – our limited edition Summer 2008 Organic Bath Soak. Buy the last few here before our new Winter soak hits the shelves in September.