About Us

ABOUT THE OWNER.....

"Hello, 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. 

 PS: I write a Blog too - why not have a read and comment on THE FAIR TRADE STORE BLOG ?
Thank you for visiting.   I hope you enjoy your time with us. "

ABOUT THE BUSINESS.....



"We are dedicated to bringing you quality, handmade Fair Trade products at competitive prices, including bags, jewellery, recycled fashion accessories, homeware and Fairtrade gifts 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, North America and Australia 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 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 products you are  “helping to make a difference”. Your purchase helps transform trade and change lives. How good is that?

You are also supporting a small, independent, ethically-minded UK business you can trust, rather than a large multi-national company - so thank you for that.

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 & 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 icon buttons at the bottom of this page."

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.   (20th December, 2015)

"I enjoyed browsing your impressive range of Fair Trade jewellery with its clear layout, making my choice very straightforward."

Tanya Rowan, Fareham, Hampshire.   ( 14th January, 2016)

"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 February, 2016)

"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 Henderson-Spoors, Lymm, Cheshire.   (6th March, 2016)

We believe the best way to run our business is by following these principles:

1. To source and sell only Fair Trade products  -  we are committed to only bringing you products from suppliers / importers accredited by The British Association for Fair Trade Shops & Suppliers (BAFTS),  The World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO),  the Fairtrade Foundation,  or those who uphold  “Fair Trade principles”.  
    
2. To provide outstanding customer service that consistently surpasses expectations and is personal, friendly, trustworthy and efficient.
    
3. To 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. Any packaging we handle that can’t be re-used is sent for recycling.
    
4. 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!
    
5. 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.
    
6. To respect the environment in whatever way we can.
    
7. To involve and engage with you our customers, suppliers and the wider community and to take our Social Responsibility seriously. We are big in Social Media and this is one way we can communicate with each other and be part of a "community".
    
8. A percentage of any net profit after tax will be donated, at financial year`s end, to The Zuri Foundation, which is our nominated charity. 
   
   
   
   Their  mission is to help young people in Kenya break the cycle of poverty they are born into. Working in partnership with local organisations in and around the slums of the capital, Nairobi, they are helping young people access education and earn a living, therefore increasing their chances of avoiding or leaving the life of crime many are forced into in order to survive. You can donate on the Zuri Foundation JustGiving page.
    
9. 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 too can “help to make a difference”. 

If you have any questions or want further information then please do not hesitate to contact us.