If you're after some fine ingredients for your Christmas catering, or are in need of some stocking-filler inspiration, Fair Trade at St Michaels is a veritable Aladdin's cave of ethically-sourced goodness. We chatted to voluntary director, Ruba Asfahani.
Tell us about what you sell
Fairtrade at St Michaels sells all things Fair Trade! As the first and still one of the only shops in Oxford dedicated to selling Fair Trade and other ethically-sourced products, you can imagine there’s a real variety! We have all sorts of food products: tea, coffee, chocolate, herbs, spices, pasta, rice and sugar.
Then we have a fantastic clothes range that includes baby items, shirts, scarves and the comfiest slippers! Our Aladdin’s cave serves up gorgeous crafts too, and I can’t not mention that stunning jewellery we have in stock. Basically, FTSM literally has everything you could possibly want… I think that’s why our customers might come in to pick up a candle as a gift, and walk away with a basket full of lovely items!
How long has your business been going?
We recently celebrated 16 years! Our shop was established in 2003, when Fair Trade was still a fringe activity and not really represented commercially, especially in Oxford.
Why was the business started?
A group of six people came together with a shared vision of making high quality, fairly-traded products available to Oxford shoppers throughout the week and throughout the year. Hospitable landlords were found at St Michael's Church on Cornmarket Street, who agreed to lease us their basement premises; the enterprise was registered as a bona fide company; and in October 2003 we opened for business with stock from a handful of suppliers spread rather thinly over the new shelves, a second-hand till and a small team of enthusiastic volunteers.
What do you like best about being based in Oxford?
It’s our home! The first six who launched FTSM, our voluntary directors and all our wonderful volunteers are Oxonians! The location is in the basement of St Michael of the North Gate, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford. So I think it’s safe to say that we love everything about being here.
Do you think Oxford is a good place to run a small business?
Absolutely! Shoppers in Oxford are so aware of the climate we’re living in and seemingly love to support independent places like ours, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer such lovely products to those who live in Oxford as well as visitors who are interested in Fair Trade. Our suppliers come from all over the world, and recently we’ve been on a mission to include environmentally friendly, plastic free items, and that seems to have gone down well with the locals too.
What's the best thing about running a small business?
I think it has to come back to our customers. The fact that they love to support independents, the Fair Trade movement, and environmentally friendly products, means we can continue doing what we do!
What’s the biggest challenge?
I would say it’s our visibility. At 16 years old and still going strong, a lot of people don’t know we exist, which is a real shame as the majority of our profits goes back to the Fair Trade suppliers and we donate to charities every year. Our work can only continue if more people come and purchase items from us and the Fair Trade movement will only get stronger if there’s more awareness around it. Hopefully this article will help that issue though! Remember, next time you’re heading into town, come and see all the amazing goodies we have for yourself!
What's the most interesting little-known fact about what you do?
I think that the fact we were the first in Oxford to solely focus on Fair Trade products is the most interesting thing about us.
What’s your favourite product?
Well this is the toughest question you’ve asked! I personally think the jewellery is the best of what we offer. Fair Trade silver, gold and stones are hard to come by, but we’ve got some fantastic suppliers. One of the most recent additions have been the stunning Drop Earrings Not Bombs (below), which are handcrafted in Istanbul. The company fosters autonomy and empowerment for women displaced by war. Not only do they support these vulnerable women, but the earrings themselves are gorgeous!
Is there anything else you’d like to highlight?
We offer a loyalty card, which can be picked up from the counter when you get to the shop, 10% off for students, and currently loads of plastic-free products. We also have an ever-changing display as you first enter. Obviously it’s all about Christmas right now!
Welcome to Daily Info’s 2023 Advent Calendar – 24 days of festive tips, free activities & local shopping suggestions!
This year's calendar offers a mix of Christmas suggestions, taking in traditions in Oxford and the wider area, and free activities & events in the build up to the big day.
