Patrick Grant's Guide to Mindful Shopping: Less Consumption, More Quality
Patrick Grant, the outspoken fashion industry campaigner and author of the bestselling book Less, has revealed his personal shopping philosophy in a candid interview. Known for his role on BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee and his work with sustainable brand Community Clothing, Grant advocates for radical change in how we approach consumption.
The Anti-Consumerist Approach
"I never get anything new delivered," declares Grant, emphasizing his commitment to avoiding unnecessary consumption. He completely avoids Amazon and only receives deliveries from platforms like eBay when purchasing second-hand items. This principle extends to his overall shopping habits, where quality and sustainability take precedence over convenience.
Daily Essentials and Local Sourcing
Grant's food shopping reflects his support for local producers. He buys bread from Ambry Bakery, cheese from Courtyard Dairy, and milk from Lawkland Hall Farm, all located in Austwick, North Yorkshire. For other groceries, he frequents Booths supermarket in Settle. His morning routine involves coffee made with Locomotion blend beans from Railtown Coffee in Darlington, ground in a 30-year-old Krups grinder and brewed in a Bialetti espresso maker.
Favorite Purchases and Tools
Among his most cherished items are Derwent pencils, still manufactured in Keswick, Lake District, which he uses daily. For gardening, he praises Niwaki tools as "absolutely everything is perfection." His favorite physical store is Hatchards on Piccadilly in London, particularly for its art book department.
Thoughtful Gift Giving and Receiving
Grant values meaningful gifts over extravagant purchases. The best present he ever gave was hand-embroidered handkerchiefs for his father, who kept them by his bedside until his passing. The most memorable gift he received was a handmade yellow glazed vase and matching bowl from an ex-partner, featuring his initials and now holding pencils on his desk.
Splurges and Savings
While Grant practices mindful spending, he does indulge occasionally. His biggest splurge was a large kilim rug purchased from a dealer in Dorset. For smaller treats, he enjoys fancy almond nougat from Selfridges. When asked what he would buy with £20 or £200, he mentioned Old English Hunt marmalade and Royal Blend loose-leaf tea from Fortnum & Mason, emphasizing that he doesn't feel the need for more possessions.
Regrets and Vintage Finds
Grant regrets not purchasing a Grayson Perry vase and a Craigie Aitchison oil painting in the early 1990s when he had the opportunity. His greatest vintage find is a pair of 17th-century wooden pitchforks, now displayed in his hallway. He frequently searches for specific items on eBay and The Saleroom but keeps his saved searches private.
The Philosophy Behind the Purchases
"I'd rather go without something than buy a bad version of it," Grant states, summarizing his approach to everyday items. This mindset aligns with his advocacy for sustainable fashion and local manufacturing through Community Clothing, which supports UK textile producers. His book Less, published in May 2024, promotes these values of reduced consumption and increased mindfulness.
Grant's shopping habits demonstrate how anti-consumerist principles can be applied practically, from supporting local businesses to choosing quality over quantity. His insights offer a blueprint for more sustainable living in an era of excessive consumption.
