Just – St Mary’s charity shop, 11 High Street

Business is booming at JUST – St Mary’s volunteer-run, fair-trade shop on Wendover High Street. Recently I caught up with Andrea, one of the seven volunteer buyers who make up their enthusiastic and dedicated team. They’re always on the look out for good quality, ethically and sustainably produced goods that will add to JUST’s unique range.

Twice a year they head off to the NEC for the trade shows. It’s a great opportunity to check out the ethos and philosophy of potential suppliers. Do they meet the core values that have guided the buying policy of the shop since it was established back in 2004?

JUST now buys from 24 different suppliers. The range includes food, household cleaning products, candles, toys, clothing accessories, notebooks, cards and Christian gifts. Helpful labels tell the story of individual products. This way shoppers can learn about the positive impact their purchases will have on poor communities overseas.

Andrea drew to my attention two particular suppliers with great stories.

Lanka Kade is a UK-based business that specialises in wooden toys and gifts for children. They’re all designed in the UK and handcrafted by skilled artisans in Sri Lanka. Since 1994 they have been building long-term sustainable partnerships that offer education, training and loans.

Cycle of Good provides employment for tailors in Malawi, making wallets and bags out of recycled inner tubes. They are also exporting refurbished postal delivery bikes, renamed as ‘Elephant Bikes’.

Please visit Just Ethical Trading on Facebook and Instagram. Happy shopping!
David Blackmore