Thame Out The complimentary magazine for the Thame area
The gift that keeps giving
Headington Fairtrade is an independent gift shop that specialises in a wide range of ethical and sustainable products that have been fairly traded from all over the world.
Headington Fairtrade was started by members of the local community who volunteered their time to sell food and gifts at nearby churches.
Eventually this group of volunteers found a retail outlet in Headington. For the past 12 years Headington Fairtrade has operated from its current location on London Road, a main road into Oxford. Perfect for attracting passing trade, the shop has grown in size and stature since its humble beginnings.
Establishing the shop was a costly venture. Funds were supplied by shareholders and by “friendly” loans. People are at the heart of what Headington Fairtrade does and it required a huge amount of volunteer time (it still does of course). It was financially very risky and there was a lot to learn running a retail outlet. But after a lot of hard work from many dedicated helpers, the venture was launched in the winter of 2010.
The shop had to buy and sell goods and so could not be run as a charity, so Headington Fairtrade was set up as a community co-operative. Being a co-op means that each member/ shareholder can have an equal say. By trading on fair trade terms they directly support the enterprise of community groups from across the Global South who grow the foods and make the crafts that the shop sells.
Make no mistake, this is not another charity shop so prevalent on our High Streets. Shop Manager Suzie Hodgson and her team have a range of wonderful gift ideas beautifully displayed. The shop exudes a professional, yet friendly atmosphere.
The products and where they are sourced sets Headington Fairtrade apart from other gift shops.
They sell an extensive range of crafts, food, jewellery, homewares, toys and gifts by creative, innovative and enterprising people from all over the world. In addition, Headington Fairtrade stock household items which provide an attractive alternative to mainstream goods as they are more ecologically benign and ethically produced such as Ecover and Faith in Nature refills.
All fair trade stock is purchased from established UK fairtrade importers or suppliers who are approved by the British Association of Fairtrade Shops (BAFTS), guaranteeing the fairtrade provenance of goods.
And of course, items you won’t find on the average High Street.
A stroll around the store and you will find Homewares and Craft Goods, Toys including some wonderful hand-made wooden toys from Sri Lanka. Greeting Cards and Gift Wrap, Gifts, Jewellery, Food, Drink and Eco Products, as well as Household and Beauty items and Hampers. At the moment, Suzie has sourced some wonderful Christmas decorations.
Everyone connected with Headington Fairtrade is passionate about the importance of fairly traded products and ethical ways of protecting this beautiful planet for future generations.
So, if you are looking for some unusual, hand made gifts for Christmas, call into Headington Fairtrade. There is a whole world of gift ideas and you will be made most welcome by the team.
Headington Fairtrade
104 London Road, Headington,
Oxford OX3 9AJ
01865 236944
www.headingtonfairtrade.org.uk
Opening Hours
Mon–Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat: 9.30am – 5pm
Sundays in December 11am–3pm
You can read more articles like this one in the latest edition of Thame Out.
