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.

Everything you can see in my store can be purchased with the peace of mind that you are making a direct difference to the quality of people’s lives within some of the world’s poorest communities”.

Paul Wolfenden
Owner of The FAIR Trade Store

About The FAIR Trade Store

The FAIR Trade Store is 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.

I have many regular, satisfied customers throughout the UK, have developed business in Europe, North America and Australia and am now looking for customers across the rest of the world. I 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 here and buying Fair Trade products you are helping to make a difference. Your purchase helps transform trade and change lives. How great is that?

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

I like to think of The FAIR Trade Store as not just an online gift shop, but a social commerce business too, and I like to use social media to keep in touch with everyone. After all, this should be a two-way relationship and I would love to hear what you think about this business specifically, and Fair Trade generally.

You can join in the discussions using the social media links at the top of the page throughout the website.

If you like what you see, then please tell your friends, family and colleagues, 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 me.

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Contact Paul at The Fair Trade Store

Fair Trade principles

I believe the best way to run my business is by following these Fair Trade principles:

Selling Fair Trade products only

I’m committed to only sourcing and selling products from suppliers and importers accredited by The British Association for Fair Trade Shops & Suppliers (BAFTS Fair Trade Network UK), The World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO), the Fairtrade Foundation, or those who uphold Fair Trade principles.

A personal, professional and honest service

To provide outstanding customer service that consistently surpasses expectations and is personal, friendly, trustworthy and efficient. Applying honesty and openness in all trading relationship with the producers, suppliers and of course you, the customer.

Engaging socially with customers and suppliers

To involve and engage with you – my customers, suppliers and the wider community, and to take social responsibility seriously. Social Media is just one of the ways we can communicate with each other and be part of a virtual community.

Reduce, reuse, recycle, repackage

As well as recycling everyday waste produced at the warehouse and office, I re-use packaging sent by suppliers whenever possible. Any packaging that can’t be re-used is sent for recycling. 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 – I’m confident you will be impressed!

Helping to lower shopping related carbon emissions

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.

Looking after the planet and its limited resources

To respect the environment in whatever way I can. This includes working with suppliers to reduce waste in the supply chain, reducing excess energy usage, and constant analysis of the environmental impact of my business in order to find areas that can be improved upon.

The Zuri Foundation, our charity partner

A percentage of any net profit after tax will be donated, at financial year’s end, to The Zuri Foundation, which is The FAIR Trade Store’s 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.

Customer testimonials

“Communication was excellent. Package arrived quickly and I was very impressed with how well it was wrapped. Item was exactly as described. All in all it was a very good experience to buy from this seller. A+++… Thank you.”

Lita, Hailsham

“Great service. Quick delivery. Lovely email and note in package on delivery. Great quality item, my boyfriend loved this as a birthday gift! Highly recommended.”

Rachel, Vale of Glamorgan

“Beautiful product, accurately described & super comms from seller. Service with passion and care. 5*”

Steve, Brackley

Have you discovered my blog yet?

Fair Trade, travel, shopping, food, the environment & ethical living, current affairs.

“These are some of the areas I write about on a weekly basis and discuss with The FAIR Trade Store’s growing community. It’s a place where I document my regular travels and the Fair Trade products and new artisans, producers, suppliers, wholesalers & importers I find along the way.

The aim of the blog is to help spread the Fair Trade message and build a community, so please leave your comments and use its social sharing features to show your support. Why not take a look and subscribe while you’re there?

Enjoy!”

Paul Wolfenden
Owner of The FAIR Trade Store