Carlisle World Shop, on Lowthians Lane, just off English Street, offers a range of products from across the globe which are all fair trade and support workers in poorer parts of the world. 

The shop was founded in 2003 and they say their mission is to ‘provide a wide variety of ethical, environmentally-friendly, fairly traded products sourced from otherwise marginalised, small producers throughout the developing world.’ 

They sell a wide range of handmade items and also food and drink products, they explain that each purchase positively impacts farmers and artisans across the world. 

Carlisle World Shop educates its customers about Fair Trade and tackles issues like child labour, gender inequality, unfair wages, and unsafe working conditions. 

They are part of the Carlisle Fair Trade Steering Group which has played a key role in making Carlisle a Fair Trade City. 

Sarah Rocker, shop manager, said: “We’re a fair trade shop, and not many people realise that Carlisle itself is a Fair Trade City. 

“We offer a wide range of food and gifts which could be anything from accessories to cards to craft items. 

Carlisle World Shop (Image: Supplied)

“So they’re all going to be fair trade or ethical trade and they come from parts of the global south where poverty is a real issue and it’s a way for people to have dignified jobs selling their wares in a fair way. 

“It’s a popular shop with the people who are aware of it but we’re hidden down an alley. We get customers who say that they didn’t know we were here. 

“We have a lot of customers, some who come in specifically because they want fair trade and others because they want to buy unique handmade gifts.

“Our popularity is always growing but because we’re hidden it is always good to get our name out there.

“We cater to quite a wide demographic, we get everyone from students to people who are retired.”

Sarah went on to thank all of the volunteers who work at the store and help to keep Carlisle World Shop running.