Fair Trade Clothing in Sydenham

Chris A · Post by **Chris A** » 28 May 2008 16:41

Hi

I am trying to gather some research on the viability of opening a shop in the area selling eco friendly and fair trade clothing, accessories and jewellery. primarily sourced from the African, Caribbean and Indian continents and with a specific selection sourced from locally based independent fashion designers.

Is there such a market for this in Sydenham with the attraction of fair trade and ethically produced goods being a significant pull to attract trade from further afield?

Thanks

mummycat · Post by **mummycat** » 28 May 2008 17:21

I would certainly support this venture - it would be a hit in Sydenham if items were reasonably priced.

I love buying Fairtrade accessories for presents and items such as jewellery, bags, handmade paper notebooks, wrapping paper, wooden childrens toys, photo frames, etc.

I used to buy them in Oxfam but they closed down in Sydenham about 5 years ago. I also remember Fair Trade items displayed in the window of White's Pet shop a few years ago - maybe ask them for some advice to see how successful it was?

There is definately a gap in the market for gifts more upmarket that the pound shop and comparable to the gifts in Kirkdale Books. Have you seen those funky purses/bags made from recycled juice cartons from the Far East?

Good Luck!

jonekt · Post by **jonekt** » 28 May 2008 17:22

I think if there were shops selling quality clothes and jewelery I would def. be interested in browsing and buying items regularly when I'm on the high street at the weekend. I think the closest store I've seen on the high street for womens fashion is Candessa - although Ive been in a few times I've never seen anything I liked enough to buy.

I often don't have time to travel into town or croydon to shop for clothes and think I would like to buy things more on my doorstep that are a bit different & high quality.

I shop a fair amount in Sydenham but at the moment it is more 'functional' shopping. Dry cleaners/ Bakery/ Fruit and veg/ Boots/ Superdrug etc.

It would be great if the shops became a bit more diverse and some more clothes stores started popping up.

Hope this helps!

leenewham · Post by **leenewham** » 28 May 2008 17:47

If it looked the part, if the products were interesting and reasonably priced then yes, I'd be interested.

Make sure the shop looks like the offer. One way to stand out in the high street is to make sure your shopfront and signage is well designed. Not nasty.

Get product, price and positioning right and you could be onto a money spinner. Word of moth counts for a lot. Don't do what peppermint do and disguise what you do behind an awful, gaudy, tacky sign and logo. Do some research, get it right, get advice.

It would be worth using www.surveymonkey.co.uk to get some feedback on the idea.

Make 100% sure that what you are selling IS Fairtrade. I have some contacts in Fairtrade companies who may be able to help you. PM me if you want.

Fairtrade fact: the first Faitrade company was set up with the help of Ken Livingstone at the GLC with a 50,000 grant. The company went on to start Cafe Direct and has had further success with Divine Chocolate, Liberation nuts and Agrofair.

sophie · Post by **sophie** » 28 May 2008 20:16

I used to buy a lot of things from the pet shop when they stocked Fair Trade and other ethically produced items. It was great for pressies and cards for example and I also bought a few things for myself such as jewellery and music. I definitely think there would be a market for it.

Does anyone remember the tiny clothes shop on the bridge by Sydenham Station where there is now a tiny Estate Agent window? They used to sell unusual clothes in there that were quite funky. I bought lots of mad trousers I seem to recall.

poppy · Post by **poppy** » 28 May 2008 20:46

Lee, where/what is Peppermint?

scott.l.hamilton · Post by **scott.l.hamilton** » 28 May 2008 21:04

Peppermint is a childrens clothing store next to Ladbrokes and Desires, behind the bus stop. It has name brand items... Juicy for kids, polo etc...
Have been in and have to say the service sent me away very quickly among other things...

leenewham · Post by **leenewham** » 29 May 2008 09:25

poppy wrote:Lee, where/what is Peppermint?

It's probably the largest sign in the high street of any store including Somerfield.

The fact that you don't know that this shop existed is no reflection n your powers of observation Poppy! It' a perfect example of how bad design is detrimental to your business.

I went into this shop thinking they sold discount clothing a la TKMax (on a smaller scale). When I went in I realized the smaller scale aspect was that the clothes were for kids.

The shop does not communicate what it offers. It's not difficult to do and it makes a difference.

Big Ben · Post by **Big Ben** » 29 May 2008 10:06

I think Chris A has really hit on something here, but possibly should also think about some food items - ie Fair Trade coffee, tea, chocolate etc. Like many posters, I really miss the Traidcraft section at the pet shop and also the little shop on the bridge which sold Adini clothes and beautiful gifts. Of course similar things are on sale at Bokhara Cultural Imports... does anyone know if they're closing down or not?

leenewham · Post by **leenewham** » 29 May 2008 10:21

Where and what is Bokhara Cultural Imports?

Big Ben · Post by **Big Ben** » 29 May 2008 12:40

The shop which sells kelims, cushions etc, near to Well Being. Older residents may remember it as the Barratts shoe shop!

leenewham · Post by **leenewham** » 29 May 2008 13:52

Another shop I walk past every day and had no idea it existed.

Why are there so many invisible shops in the high street?!!

roundasapound · Post by **roundasapound** » 29 May 2008 18:36

I'm ashamed to say I don't know alot of the shop names on Sydenham Road. A friend came to see me and was naming alot of shops on the road I didn't know were there and I've lived here for over 8 years

Signage is bad.

sophie · Post by **sophie** » 29 May 2008 22:28

I remember the Barratts shoe shop. Had forgotten all about it!

Tim Lund · Post by **Tim Lund** » 30 May 2008 07:17

Since this is developing into a local shop memory jogging exercise, I wonder how many people have seen the exhibition of photographs, "Keeping Shop" on display at Sydenham Library, and if so, what you think of it. And if not, why not go and have a look? The photographer's web site is http://www.annpownall.com/ and there are a few images from Sydenham Road in the portfolio section.

scott.l.hamilton · Post by **scott.l.hamilton** » 30 May 2008 07:57

The exhibiton is titled Keeping Shop: Portrait of a high street and is of Sydenham. Did not know until I just looked it up. Am very interested to see it and see what is considered photo worthy and how the shops are portrayed. Of course it is closed on Fridays!

Guess I will try and go when they open in the morning tomorrow at 0900

Chris A · Post by **Chris A** » 30 May 2008 09:16

Hi

Many thanks for your comments, they are encouraging and enlightening, if there are any further ideas or comments positive or negative please do feel free to leave them here and I will read them and take them on board.

Chris

lizzie · Post by **lizzie** » 30 May 2008 12:09

re. the previous comment on fairtrade foodstuffs - I would imagine that Wellbeing has this market pretty much covered.

I would definitely be interested in a good quality clothes / gifts shop - something that Sydenham is sorely missing. You should be looking along the lines of People Tree (http://www.peopletree.co.uk/) or the Natural Collection (http://www.naturalcollection.com/)

Liz

lambchops · Post by **lambchops** » 30 May 2008 13:38

Chris A, I sent you a PM.

simon · Post by **simon** » 30 May 2008 17:58

I think it could work Chris.
Get some Komodo clothing; its fair trade, achingly hip and not too expensive!

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