Shop local

It can’t be denied that we rely all too much on imported goods, whether it be for clothes, perfumes, makeup items, bags, shoes, or toys. Many people ApEx spoke to confessed that they shopped when they traveled and that they don’t find what they need in the local markets in Nepal. They say the choice is between cheap Chinese products that don’t last more than a month and exorbitantly priced branded items that actually cost a fraction of the retail price on the brand’s website or at outlets in India and abroad.

But there are local businesses that actually sell good stuff. And their number is increasing by the day. We have rounded up some local brands and businesses that you can check out the next time you are shopping. We, at ApEx, believe this can help boost the local economy as well as entice entrepreneurs to come up with innovative ideas and products in the long run. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality as these made in Nepal products have been made with care and caution and are some of the best you will ever come across.

Abir

Next time you want to shop for clothes, check out Abir near Pimbahal, Lalitpur. It’s a sustainable clothing brand. All the fabrics—bamboo, cotton, linen, hemp, and their blends—are made in Nepal. In winter, they used wool that was sourced from Nepal. Bini Bajracharya, co-owner of Abir, says they take pride in the fact that their clothes have minimal impact on the planet. The business is run by a small team of 10 to 12 people and they design clothes for both men and women. Recently, they have also started incorporating crochet in their designs, making their pieces unique and interesting. We spoke to some of their customers and they all agreed that Abir’s clothes are comfortable, don’t fade or shrink, and are designed to look great on all body types.

Maya Handicrafts Jewelry

This could be your go-to stop for dainty and stunning pieces of jewelry that you can wear every day. Maya Handicrafts has two physical outlets—one in Sanepa, Lalitpur and the other in Lazimpat, Kathmandu. But you can also browse through their collection on Instagram and order from there as well. However, we recommend visiting the stores to see their pieces up close. You will notice that they are simple and stylish and have been made really well. They have silver jewelry, gold-plated ones, and even some gold and diamond pieces. The prices are reasonable and they have quite a good collection. Their bangles and bracelets are especially made for daily wear. Maya Handicrafts is also a business with a conscience. They help charities and causes whenever they can. In the past, they donated two percent of their sales to Astitwa Nepal to help victims of acid and burn violence.

Nepal Knotcraft Center

If you want to buy home decor items and other little accessories like purses, pouches, and bags, look no further than Nepal Knotcraft Center. They have an outlet in Kupondole and their products are also available in Thames at Ekadeshma Collective. The company was founded in 1984 to create jobs for women and empower them. When it started out, it had three employees. Now, there are hundreds of women from all over Nepal working for the company. Most of the products are made from natural fibers and recycled wood. If you want placemats, rugs, and other home decor pieces like baskets, bowls, wall hanging etc, Nepal Knotcraft Center has a lovely selection of them all.

Jamarko

Founded by a sister duo and now run by their daughters, Jamarko is a paper recycling company that was started in 2001. They make various recycled paper and lotta paper products. They have notebooks, boxes, pencils, wrapping paper, frames, gift bags, and many other items. The designs are appealing and the products, despite being handmade, have a factory-finish to them. The company collects paper waste from various sources and recycles them to make beautiful products that can be used at home. Kritica Lacoul, executive director at Jamarko, says their short term goal is to minimize paper waste whereas their long term goal is to conserve our natural resources and reduce consumption. Buy from Jamarko for a guilt-free shopping indulgence. Another good thing is that their products aren’t pricey at all.

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You don’t have to buy expensive perfumes anymore. These handcrafted blends of essential oils smell great and are really long lasting. There are many variations available for both men and women and the fragrances range from mild to strong. The base of these roll-on perfumes are solvents and not alcohol and that ensures the smells stay for long. The proprietor says he wants to make good quality perfumes that are inexpensive but of good quality. The company also sells essential oils and diffusers as well as hand creams that aren’t greasy and are, again, long lasting. The company has a kiosk in Chhaya Center, Thamel as well as puts up stalls at the Saturday market at Labim Mall, Pulchowk, and the Le Sherpa Farmer’s Market on Saturday.