Siesta was started in 1983 by Chris and Les Harper with a market stall selling handicrafts that were brought back from their travels from Mexico and Guatemala (hence the name!).
From a small beginning, they have expanded so that they now have a retail outlet in Canterbury and a busy wholesale business supplying goods throughout the UK and Europe. They now import directly from suppliers in countries all over the world on a Fair Trade basis and they are proud to be a member of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers. They specialise in unusual and interesting gifts, musical instruments and clothing.
Their shop is located in the heart of Canterbury in Kent, barely 100 metres from the world-famous cathedral. They have a good local reputation as a shop where you can get a present for anyone and in this day and age of anodyne, cloned town high streets, they have a vibrant, colourful presence, and they feel this strongly adds to the character of the city. They employ a staff of eight, though this may vary at busy periods. Their shop stocks many other Fair Trade items as well as their own range.
Their warehouse is located just outside the city walls, a short bike ride from their shop. They currently also employ a staff of eight at the warehouse.
