Sanchos Dress Shop

Exeter alumni make second shop opening a success

Kalkidan Legesse (BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics, 2014) and Vidmantas Markevicius (BA Economics with Econometrics, 2013) from Sancho's Dress successfully opened their second organic and ethical shop on 11 November 2017.

The pair threw a launch party on the 11 November, at the shop in Exeter, to celebrate its opening. Customers received a Sancho’s goody bag with a locally made and printed tote bag, an organic tee, a pair of bamboo socks, a candle, a handmade soap, and other little surprises. Plus, there was fizz and nibbles and live music for everyone to enjoy.

Kalkidan and Vidmantas, Exeter University Graduates, founded the store in 2014. Their inspiration grew via travels to developing countries such as Ethiopia where they saw first-hand the effects of the fast fashion industry; low wages, mass dumping, social disruption and environmental destruction. In Sancho’s they stock a carefully curated range of clothing, accessories and gifts from organic and fair trade producers. Earlier this year the business was recognized at the prestigious Santander Universities Entrepreneurship Awards taking home the runner's up award in the post-revenue category and receiving a £15,000 grant, £3,000 internship sponsorship, mentorship, a Microsoft laptop and web development support.

Kalkidan and Vidmantas commented on the opening of their second shop: “We could not be more excited to open up this shop! By expanding our range, we hope to also expand our ethical impact, both locally and globally.”

Date: 14 November 2017