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Company story - Oxfam
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David Seagrove, shop manager of Oxfam in Windsor, tells us why Oxfam is at the forefront of Fairtrade on the high street.
Tell me a bit about Oxfam shops
Oxfam is an amazing organisation. You only have to turn on the news to see why the work it does is so important and needed now more than ever. Oxfam invented the charity shop – this is our 60th year in business on the UK high street. The ethics of reusing, recycling and fair supply chains adopted by so many huge companies today were what inspired the first Oxfam shops. There are 730 Oxfam shops all over the country and that makes us a major retailer.
Fairtrade sales from Oxfam shops are a considerable part of the UK market. In the Windsor branch we are incredibly well supported by our regular customers and donors and we have a turnover of £3,000 a week.
Why should we buy Fairtrade goods from Oxfam?
When you buy items carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark you know that not only have the producers been paid a fair price, but also any profit Oxfam makes is put straight into continuing its work, which includes campaigning for fairer global trade. Oxfam has really been a pioneer in the Fairtrade movement. By encouraging a decent return for farmers we’re turning them into businessmen – both Oxfam and Fairtrade are about empowerment.
What are your Fairtrade best sellers?
Our bestsellers are tea, coffee and chocolate bars. We stock ranges from other Fairtrade pioneers such as Traidcraft and Cafédirect and we have seasonal products such as Fairtrade Christmas cakes and Easter eggs. We also sell fairly traded jewellery and accessories. In Windsor, our Fairtrade section is expertly and enthusiastically run by a volunteer, Angela Dalman. She ensures we always have a good range of products available.
Action
Many independent shops all over the UK sell Fairtrade goods, if you can’t find the product you’re looking for, ask the manager to stock it for you. Order your free Stock it! cards from www.fairtrade.org.uk/resources
©Autumn2008 Fair Comment