Our Fair Trade Story: From Small Beginnings to Trinity Market

Near & Fair is a small BAFTS-registered fair-trade gift shop in the heart of Hull. The two people behind the counter (and the coffee machine) are Richard & Julie.

How it all started

Our fair trade journey began many years ago at the wonderful One World Shop in Hull—the city’s very first BAFTS-registered trade shop. Julie used to work above the shop for a charity called the DEC (Development Education Centre), which sent facilitators into schools to teach children about global lives using artefacts from around the world.

While her job was running the resource centre, Julie couldn’t resist popping downstairs for a chat with the then-owners, Chris and Peter. We remain great friends with them to this day; their help in finding ethical wholesalers was invaluable, and in 2019, we were incredibly proud to become a member of BAFTS ourselves.

Roots in the Hull Old Town

After a few years of trading at craft fairs and markets, we decided to put down permanent roots in Hull’s historic Trinity Market Arcade in January 2018. Since then, we’ve progressed rapidly from a sparsely-stocked little unit to a shop bursting at the seams with ethical clothing, incense, and chocolate.

Our shop in Trinity Market, a place where ethical shopping comes alive

Growing with Karma Corner

By the end of 2019, we were desperate for more space. Despite the unexpected delays of 2020, we finally moved into the Arcade’s second-largest retail unit in June.

But we didn’t just want more room for gifts; we wanted to create a community hub. That’s how KarmaCorner was born. At the beginning of January 2024, we became the proud new owners of the coffee shop formerly known as Ginger Beans. We realised that the only thing better than browsing unique treasures is doing it with a proper cup of Fairtrade coffee in your hand. Now, we serve freshly ground coffee, a variety of teas, and even ethical hot chocolate and lemonade.

Karma Corner coffee shop in Hull Trinity Market

Why We Do What We Do

Every purchase at Near & Fair and Karma Corner supports fair trade artisans globally. We believe in:

Transparency: Knowing exactly where our products come from.
Sustainability: Using largely natural materials and traditional techniques.
Community: Being a friendly, welcoming face in the Hull Old Town.

Whether you’re hunting for a unique gift, looking for eco-friendly groceries, or need a caffeine hit that doesn’t cost the earth, come and say hi. We’ll have the coffee waiting!

How We Source: No Guesswork, Just Ethics

At Near & Fair, we don’t believe in “vague-trade.” We don’t just take a supplier’s word for it; we look for the badge. We curate our collection by working exclusively with a network of dedicated BAFTS (British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers) and WFTO (World Fair Trade Organisation) certified importers and wholesalers.

Why does this matter? Because it means every incense stick, woollen jumper, and handmade journal in our shop is part of a verified, audited supply chain. It ensures that the artisans behind the products—whether they’re in Nepal, India, or beyond—are paid fairly, work in safe conditions, and are treated with the respect they deserve.

We’ve done the tedious task of verifying certifications and auditing ethics, so you can focus on the enjoyable part: discovering something unique and beautiful that doesn’t leave a trail of destruction in its wake. It’s fair trade done properly, right here in the heart of Hull. ✊🌿