By Leah Coleman
Filling up shoppers’ refills of shampoos, conditioners and washing-up liquid bottles is one of the growing lines offered by a workers co-operative social enterprise in Leicester as it gears up for the pre-Christmas rush.
Just Fair Trade in Silver Street is all about fair trade, and ethical and sustainable living.
The unique shop began over two decades ago, originally in 1996 doing pop-up shops in the run up to Christmas, finally establishing itself as the business Just Fair Trade in 2000.
With three floors of completely fair trade, ethical and sustainable products, ranging from homeware to clothing, jewellery and plenty more, there is something for everyone and people of all ages.
The build-up to Christmas has a significant impact on the business, according to one of the founders, Sarah Sheperd, who described the festive period as “hugely important for the business.”
The staff even extend their opening hours the closer it gets to Christmas to prepare for the inevitable seasonal rush.
One of their increasingly popular products is their re-fills of shampoos, conditioners and washing up liquid, which is environmentally friendly by reducing the plastic used, fitting perfectly with the shop’s ethics, which it prides itself on.
Sarah said: “Most people shop with us specifically because of our ethics and what we are about, they trust us to make sure they can feel confident in what they are buying.”
She added: “Some people just come in because they like what we have… but people are increasingly being concerned about these issues and we need to be.”
As Just is strictly based on fair trade, ethical and sustainable principles, Sarah said this can limit the stock that can be sold in the shop, but their main concern is the ethics of their products, as this is what sets Just aside from other independent shops in Leicester.