Worldwide outpouring of support for 'Really British' shopkeeper accused of racism over his souvenirs

Complaints: Chris Ostwald said his Really British store on Muswell Hill Broadway had been hit by a barrage of complaints
Chris Ostwald
Francesca Gillett9 December 2016

The north London shopkeeper accused of racism for selling British-themed gifts says he has received messages of support from all over the world.

Owner Chris Ostwald, who runs Really British in Muswell Hill, was accused of being racist and said local residents had stormed into his shop threatening to stage boycotts for selling goods proudly showing Union Jacks.

However, after it emerged he had received complaints, Mr Ostwald was flooded with an outpouring of support from around the globe.

He told the Standard: “I’ve had messages of support from Australia and America, all over the place.

“It’s quite interesting; they are all saying they should be proud of our nationality.”

He also said he plans to expand with more branches of the shop.

Scores of people messaged Mr Ostwald via his Facebook page including Ray Barley from the USA who said: “Greetings from the colonies, Chris.

Defiant: Chris Ostwald said he would not be making any changes to his store
Chris Ostwald

“I’m also sick of this PC garbage and wish you and your customers the best”.

Another man called Keith Lemmon, from Australia, said: “I really applaud your great idea for a shop, now do you have a website set up so I can get some English themed items for my house in Oz, bit far to travel at moment.

“Love to support you in any way I can.”

Several other Australians sent him messages, including Michelle Smith who said: “Congrats Chris – keep flying the flags mate! Such a great idea – we’ll have to start a shop down-under calling it Really Aussie”.

He believes many locals might have thought his shop was a pro-Brexit or “Ukip shop” – likely to be unpopular in an area where 75 per cent of people voted remain in the EU referendum.

“There are more people coming in the shop who want to buy things,” he said. “It’s got the message across.

“More people who either think it’s a Brexit shop or who were thinking they ought not be seen to be going into there are coming in now.”

Asked if he was tempted to tone down the British theme, he said: “No, I need to scale it up. We definitely need more products now it’s had this sort of coverage.”

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