One World Shop

I love this shop. It’s pretty much way out of my price range but if I was a rich girl I’d drop some serious imaginary cash in here. I don’t care if people would judge me as rich and affected like Eddie in AB-​Fab, I’d have GORGEOUS things. Jewel-​y cushions and colourful rings and pretty wall hangings… Think it may well be a not-​for-​profit place but it’s possible that I made that up because I love this place so much. Either way don’t steal from here, it’s all ethical and fairtrade and goes towards making life better for people and stealing is illegal anyway. No-​one ever fancied someone because they were such a good shoplifter. Go here and pay money for lovely things.

The One World Shop seems to be an updated version of a charity shop: all brand new gifts and ephemera, at fair trade yet cheap prices, but not engaging with the recycling effort that makes most charity shops more than just places for liberal guilt reflexes. I have never actually bought anything from here: I love the layout, it is as relaxed as a new age therapy room, and has that sort of inclusive modern spiritual vibe that embraces ancient wisdom and a good business plan. But I can’t help thinking that there is something too tasteful in their ornaments, which practically boast of their good business attitude without any aesthetic depth.

While Fairtrade is in theory a good idea, I can’t seem to shake the feeling that the main purpose of shops like this is not in fact to improve economic practices in developing countries, but to give Guardian readers something to brag about at dinner parties. Whereas a charity shop can seem sweet, genuine and homely, One World Shop is very much a lifestyle accessory store for those who hide their ravenous obsession with wealth and status behind a veil of Indian pan-​pipe music and hummus.
In all fairness the toys do look really cute and well-​made, though everything else seems to me a bit soulless. It’s not really my kind of place at all but if you’re into the whole right-​on thing you’ll probably lap it up, and be able to find a nice wooden ornament to beat your Indonesian housekeeper with later on.

All very ethically friendly and fairtrade around here, so you’ll feel very good about yourself contributing to such a cause. Though I was a little confused when some Children in Need collecters came by in fancy dress and were refused donation by the shopkeepers — do charities have a ban on contributing to their competition? How rude.
Anyway, it’s full of retro, cute kids toys and pretty indian inspired shawls and notebooks, jewlerry and other little knicks and knacks. As well as a substantial fairtrade food section selling coffee and chocolate and the like.
Very nice, but mostly only suitable for gifts and treats I think.