What we do
Established in 2009, Fair Trader is a co-operative based in beautiful Holmfirth, West Yorkshire – most famous as being the location for ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ and for its stunning countryside.
At Fair Trader, we are passionate about making a difference and aim to reduce world poverty by promoting fair and ethical trading. As one of the largest fair trade shops in the UK, we stock a wide range of sustainable, ethical and stylish products, each selected for its positive social and economic impact. We are a community co-operative, part of the international co-operative movement. As well as running our Holmfirth and online stores, we host occasional events, support community initiatives, provide recycling facilities and co-operate with other organisations wanting to help communities and the environment through ethical trade.
We currently have
The Shop
We stock an exciting range of fashion accessories, jewellery, food and drink, clothing, homewares, toiletries, greetings cards and toys.
If you can’t get here, you could keep in touch by liking our Facebook page and signing up to our mailing list for news/events. We can make up corporate gifts and packs for schools and churches.
Holmfirth is in the heart of the beautiful Holme Valley, ideal for a day out. Why not visit some of our great local suppliers while you are here? They include The Nook Brewhouse, Dark Woods Coffee and Pure North Cider Press, all of which are open for tours. Or combine a visit with attending one of Holmfirth’s many festivals.
Our Purpose, Mission and Values
Purpose
We provide a route to market for ethical, sustainable and local producers, champion the good they do and educate consumers about the importance of ethical living.
Mission
- We make a difference both globally and locally by helping consumers make informed choices by being the go-to shop in Yorkshire for ethically sourced gifts and everyday products.
- We help to reduce world poverty by promoting ethical and sustainable trade, and by making a profit which can be put to good use.
- We give our suppliers the opportunity to access new markets by buying products which meet our assessment criteria and are design-led.
- We make a positive contribution to the local community by providing employment, supporting local artists and suppliers, and by preserving a historic building in which we create an environment which is welcoming and part of the distinctive Holmfirth high street.
- We are also working hard to help potential new suppliers access the UK market, helping with improving design, quality, and promotion.
Values
- We work hard to be as successful as possible so that we can do additional good with the profit Fair Trader makes.
- We sell ethical products which our consumers want to buy.
- We champion small businesses, overseas traders, local producers and creators.
- Community is important to us (local, Cooperative, Fairtrade, overseas).
- We care about the impression we make on our customers (shop atmosphere; friendly staff; website; social media etc).
- We are proud of what Fair Trader does because it aligns with our individual values.
The Co-operative Difference
Fair Trader is a community co-operative, part of the international co-operative movement, and applies co-operative principles in everything it does.
Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
Our Suppliers
A not-for-profit organisation, Fair Trader partners smaller, sustainable suppliers, including co-operatives, artisans and designer-makers, both locally and in Nepal, Colombia, Bolivia, Palestine and many other countries.
Our orders for many of these small suppliers continue to provide them with a dignified way of supporting themselves at a time when many face increased economic hardship and the adverse effects of climate change.
We are also working hard to help potential new suppliers access the UK market, helping with improving design, quality, and promotion.