More about our Green Move

Bambu Batu, The House of Bamboo, currently at 1127 Broad will be moving to 1023 Broad St. on September 1, without the aid of fossil fuels or the emission of greenhouse gasses. We are moving into the building shared by Old World Rugs and the Antique Boutique, across from Creekside Brewing and the SLO Museum of Art. Bambu Batu has been in business for five years, three years in its current location.

We are very excited about moving one block closer to the Mission, into a larger space with plentiful windows, streams of natural light, sweeping creekside vistas, and enhanced Zen access. The move has nothing to do with earthquake retrofitting, it's simply a great opportunity to land a bigger, better location in a space that hasn't come up for rent in over 30 years. We will be holding a storewide moving sale throughout the month of August with everything reduced at least 20%. We'll also hold a grand opening party at the new location, sometime in September. (Details forthcoming.)

In keeping with our philosophy of sustainability and global consciousness, we intend to make this a FOSSIL FUEL FREE move. All of our inventory, fixtures and equipment will be carried, rolled or wheeled up Broad Street by use of organic and socially responsible man- and woman-power. We don't expect to save the planet by moving the entire business without the use of fossil fuels and combustible engines, but we do hope to raise some awareness about the benefits of car-free locomotion.

It happens to millions of Americans every day: they get in their cars just to go 2 or 3 blocks away, and often spend more time parking than it would have taken them to walk the short distance. These short and unnecessary drives typify the conspicuous dependency on oil and automobiles that contributes daily to frivolous fuel consumption, excessive greenhouse emissions, rising rates of obesity, and a general disconnect with the environment.

We expect to carry out this move in just a couple of days with the help of a small team of volunteers, dollies and bamboo wagons. In addition to the warm sense of community and camaraderie, volunteers will also be treated to an assortment of refreshments. For move info about our moving sale, grand opening party, or to volunteer, contact Bambu Batu at 788-0806.

Be Here Now.... Going there soon!

After years of grazing the pastures of SLO County in search of the richest plot of soil in which to run our vigorous roots, Bambu Batu is finally ready to embark on its most promising transplant ever. Just a stone's throw from our current downtown location, across Higuera Street and under the verdant canopy of SLO Creek's thriving grove of willows and sycamores, this bigger and brighter space offers a spectacular opportunity for Bambu Batu to continue flourishing for years to come.

Away from the seemingly endless construction of mandatory retrofits, enterprising pizzerias and up-and-coming mixed-use high-rises, the new, creekside location includes unsurpassed Zen access and plenty of room to develop our own variety of panda-monium.

Still within sight of Big Sky and the beloved Hemp Shak, we now look forward to making good neighbors with the Natural Cafe, the SLO Museum of Art and Creekside Brewing Co. And we can't wait to see you there. In the meantime, we will be conducting a storewide moving sale, with discounts of at least 20% on everything in the store. Come join us in celebration!

Never Forget

Seems like not that long ago we were unpacking the cartons of hemp soap and Two Star Dog jeans that would become the seeds of the HempShak; but it's already been 15 years. It was February of 1995 that the original HempShak opened up on Foothill Blvd. in Claremont, just up the street from Pomona College. A year and half later we came to San Luis Obispo and opened HempShak del norte in the old Creamery, behind Tortilla Flats.

This weekend the era of Hemp retail comes to a sad end, as the HempShak of SLO closes its doors and clicks off the neon 'open' sign for the last time. But rest assured, Bambu Batu is staying open, continuing to provide natural fiber, fair trade and local products for the conscious consumers of the Central Coast, and looking forward to adding more hemp products to our already extensive and eclectic selection of alternative fibers.

Without our pioneering spirit and environmental commitment, these shops would never have opened, and without your steadfast support they could never stay open. So thanks again, and we look forward to meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations for another decade and a half.

There's a Shak that won't soon be forgotten
Cuz Hemp lasts much longer than cotton
            It grows like a weed
            With nary a need
For pesticides, toxic and rotten

Chocolate for Haiti

In cooperation with Sweet Earth Chocolate - our favorite source of fair trade chocolate, made in SLO - we are delighted to announce the new Haiti Bar. Now it's easier than ever to do the right thing, because a portion of proceeds from every single delicious bar of chocolate will go directly to the people of Haiti.

Bambu Batu: good for the planet, good for the community, and good for you. And we're open every day - rain or shine!