British Association For Fair Trade Shops
Why Shop at a BAFTS Fair Trade Shop?
By shopping at a BAFTS retailer you are ensuring that your money is spent on Fair Trade goods. All BAFTS retailers must buy at least 70% of their stock from recognised Fair Trade sources. BAFTS recognises the following sources as Fair Trade: Fairtrade marked products, members of the International Fair Trade Association and BAFTS recognised Importers.
By shopping in a BAFTS shop you will:
- Get connected with the people behind the products. BAFTS retailers know about where the product came from and who made it.
- BAFTS retailers are independently owned, which means that each shopping experience will be unique.
- Ensure the money you spend goes back to supporting the producer, as the BAFTS shop can purchase more Fair Trade goods from those same producers.
- By shopping at an independent local business you are supporting the local economy.
- Find out more about Fair Trade and Trade Justice from people who know what they are talking about.
- Find the biggest selection of Fair Trade products around. See the continuously expanding and improving range of Fair Trade goods- from food to crafts to clothes.
BAFTS’ Broad Aims
- Shops work on behalf of producers to help them reach the market on the fairest possible terms
- Producers and retailers can earn a decent, fair living through their work.
- Our member shops in the UK, supplied by committed importers and wholesalers, have a clear identity and are recognized by consumers.
- Our members join campaigning initiatives to promote Fair Trade and Trade Justice, and make our producers’ call for social justice and equity heard.
About Fair Trade
BAFTS - Who we are and what we do
The British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS) is an association of retailers who, although independent, unite in a core purpose which is to bring about fundamental changes in the status of working producers through Fair Trade retailing and campaigning.
Through solidarity and through practical programmes of assistance, BAFTS seeks to strengthen a network of sales channels that are dedicated to its core purpose. It seeks to improve the quality and the quantity of such channels, so that they are better able to contribute towards the building of greater justice and equity in the world. The association and its members support campaigns that increase awareness and understanding of the needs of producer workers and of their rights.
BAFTS currently has one part-time staff person, our Administrator. There is an elected Board of 5 Directors .
BAFTS is connected to the global Fair Trade Movement through its membership of the WFTO (the World Fair Trade Association) and the Trade Justice Movement. It recognizes the internationally agreed definition of Fair Trade:
Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.
Fair Trade organisations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.