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About Us
Hello,
thank you for visiting THE FAIR TRADE STORE.
"Hi, my name is Paul Wolfenden and I set up THE FAIR TRADE STORE in February 2009 after finding out first hand about the inequalities of unjust trade from my work as a buyer with some of the UK's leading supermarkets. Because of this experience, I decided to start an ethical business selling exclusively Fair Trade products from around the developing world to help address these issues in a positive way.
Thank you for visiting. I hope you enjoy your time with us.
I write a Blog too - why not have a read and comment on THE FAIR TRADE STORE BLOG ?
As a business, we are dedicated to bringing you quality, handmade Fair Trade gifts, at competitive prices, including bags, jewellery, recycled fashion accessories, household and homeware and Fairtrade products from around the developing world in an easy, convenient and secure way. The products sold are unique and not readily available in supermarkets or department stores, which allows you the opportunity to purchase something special.
We have many regular, satisfied customers throughout the UK, have developed business in Europe and North America and are now looking for customers across the rest of the world. We operate from an office and warehouse in Southport, a coastal resort in Merseyside, England.
Please enjoy your visit and remember that you are now just a few steps away from the actual Fair Trade producers in some of the world`s poorest communities. By shopping with us and buying our Fair Trade gifts you are “helping to make a difference”.
You are also supporting a small, independent and UK-based, ethically minded business, rather than a large multi-national company - so thank you for that."
Paul is a member of Sefton Chamber of Commerce
"We like to think we are not just an online gift shop, but a `social commerce` business too and like to use social media to keep in touch with everyone. Afterall, this should be a two-way relationship and we would love to hear what you think about us specifically and Fair Trade generally.
You can join in the discussions using the social media buttons to the left of this page. Why not subscribe to THE FAIR TRADE STORE`s You Tube Channel to see videos about Fair Trade producers?"
What People Say About Us......
"Thank you for such a fast and efficient service - my gorgeous handbag was received in only a few days and was securely, but attractively packaged."
Sue Chamberlain, Evesham, Worcestershire. (27th August, 2011)
"I enjoyed browsing your impressive range of Fair Trade jewellery with its clear layout, making my choice very straightforward."
Tanya Rowan, Fareham, Hampshire. ( 14th September, 2011)
"As a keen supporter of Fair Trade I must say your prices are very competitive and the free postage and packing offer with my order was a real bonus. Good luck with your future plans."
David Brown, Wanstead, Essex. (9th December, 2011)
"The site is easy to navigate and with the reassurance of secure payment methods at the checkout, we were more than happy to purchase from you."
Paul and Terezah Henderson-Spoors, Lymm, Cheshire. (6th January, 2012)
We believe the best way to run our business is by following these principles:
- To source and sell only Fair Trade products - we are committed to bringing you products only from suppliers / importers accredited by The British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS), The Fairtrade Foundation, or those who uphold the “Fair Trade Principles”.
- To provide outstanding customer service that consistently surpasses expectations and is friendly, trustworthy and efficient.
- That we practice what we preach – re-use, reduce or recycle in our everyday work at the office and warehouse. We re-use packaging sent to us by our suppliers whenever we can. Therefore, don’t be alarmed if it looks like your package has been used before – it probably has and you can feel good that between us we are doing our bit for the environment. However, what’s inside your package will be attractively wrapped and presented – we are confident you will be impressed!
Any packaging we handle that can’t be re-used is sent for recycling.
- Shopping online and using a home delivery service can result in lower carbon emissions as one van makes several deliveries in one journey, unlike a trip to the shops, where it’s often one car per shopper and you have to think about petrol costs and parking charges.
- To respect the environment in whatever way we can.
- To involve and engage with our customers, suppliers and the wider community and to take our Social Responsibility seriously.
- A percentage of any net profit after tax will be donated, at financial year`s end, to Traidcraft Exchange, which is our adopted charity. Traidcraft`s mission is to fight poverty through trade and currently works with more than 100 producer groups in over 30 countries around the world. (Traidcraft Exchange Charity Reg No 1048752)
- To apply honesty and openness in our trading relationship with the producers, our suppliers and of course you, our customers.
If you like what you see, then please tell your friends, family and colleagues about us, so that they can “help make a difference” too! If you have any questions or want further information then please do not hesitate to contact us
