Ethical Retailer Reports Strong Sales Growth
County’s leading fair trade store bucks gloomy High Street trend
Small retailers in Norfolk can maximise their chances of weathering the economic storm by concentrating on business ethics – that’s the message from the county’s biggest fair trade retailer, which is reporting strong sales growth in 2008.
The Living Rooms, in Poringland, saw sales grow by nine per cent year-on-year, with sales in the final quarter of 2008 a full 15 per cent ahead of the same period in 2007. The business, housed in a 4000 ft2 converted barn on the outskirts of Norwich, imports and sells fair- and ethically-traded goods for the homes and garden from all over the developing world.
“There is a perception that when times are tough, people’s principles become less important,” said Jill Roberson, who runs the business with husband Stephen. “But what we are proving is that by sticking to our ethical vision, we are performing better than the High Street as a whole. It’s great to see that Norfolk people are not abandoning the concept of ethical shopping in the recession.
“There is a lesson here for Norfolk’s locally-owned retailers: when money is scarce, shoppers think more carefully where they spend their money, and that can benefit those of us who run businesses based on a guiding principle and vision.”
The Living Rooms growth came throughout its product range, with even furniture sales holding up during a tough period for homeware retailers. Christmas was a particularly strong period, with gifts and decorations contributing strong growth.
“This year most people changed their Christmas shopping habits,” said Mrs Roberson. “Instead of simply throwing money at the task, many people thought a bit harder about what presents they would give, and this has benefited us.
“It’s clear that 2009 is going to be very tough for everyone in retail, but it is gratifying to know that by sticking to our ethical principles we are not just doing the right thing, but we are being supported by Norfolk people as well.”
More details about The Living Rooms can be found at www.the-living-rooms.co.uk.
Tags: business, csr, Events, furniture, sustainability, training