Now, Justicia in Knowsley Street, which stocks all Fairtrade-certified products, has celebrated 40 years of bringing the borough trinkets, snacks, gifts and toys from around the world at a fair minimum price set by the farmers and workers who make them.
This can help workers in low-income countries weather an often unstable and unfair global market.
A “Fairtrade premium” is also added to the price to finance community or business projects the workers choose.
On March 8, more than 70 people rang in Justicia’s four-decade anniversary with games, quizzes and a smoothie bike powered by local children using bananas donated by the Co-op.
Bolton West MP Phil Brickell opened the festivities.
He said: “Justicia not only support workers overseas through Fairtrade, but also our local community via outreach programmes to our schools.
“They also provide training opportunities to those in our constituency who need employment.
“I was surprised to see how much their products have expanded over the years and now cover lots of recycled products too.”
Borough mayor Andy Morgan, who visited the shop on the day, said: “It really does resemble an Aladdin’s Cave of beautiful and unusual gifts and treats!”
Bolton has been a Fairtrade town for more than 20 years and Justicia has led the way.
It is one of the country’s oldest ethical shops and was a driving force in Bolton achieving Fairtrade Town status in 2003.
Now, this movement includes more than 2,200 towns and cities around the world.
Joanna Fianu, Justicia’s shop manager, said: “Having a dedicated Fairtrade shop in Bolton makes a huge difference to local people who want to shop more ethically and sustainably.
“The shop carries the widest selection of Fairtrade products in Greater Manchester from coffee to earrings, chocolate to homewares as well as a range of eco-friendly cleaning and skincare products.
“It’s a huge achievement to have reached the milestone of 40 years in business and that’s testament to the hundreds of staff, volunteers and customers who have supported Justicia in the community since 1985.”
