The Fair Trade Shop

From one listed building to another….

At the beginning of September, the Fair Trade Shop moved from its premises at 15 Orwell Place, to 20A Upper Brook Street, having been at the former for 20 years.

When Fred Olsen moved out of Brook Street, the opportunity to be in a more central part of town seemed one that was too good to miss, because of the potential for greater footfall. Although the old shop had plenty of character, it was quite small and dark and ‘out of the way' for many customers. Now the Fair Trade Shop is large, light and airy - a pleasure for the volunteers who work there, and with plenty of space for customers to browse.

All the stock is produced by farmers and other artisans who receive a price that covers their costs of production, as well as providing them with extra funds to support their own local communities. The Fair Trade Shop is unique in this area since it has its own shop in the town centre. In most other towns the FT shops are a long way from the centre of town or depend on church halls for their existence.

Open Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm, www.thefairtradeshopipswich.co.uk or on Facebook.

Bernard Westren