Tucked modestly away in two of London’s most enjoyable stop-offs, bringing an authentic mix of colour and vibrancy to the often greyed streets of the capital. Residing in Covent Garden and South Bank, respectively, the partnership, formed by Jo Lawbuary and Purnendu Roy, offer a delightful array of products. Anything from a vintage silk sari, or the much toted ultimate party plates (made form leaves, no less!), to a complete itemised wedding list can all be found through the store. The possibilities are endless! And what’s more, when you purchase a Ganesha product you can be happy in the knowledge that it has come under the eyes of former editor for BAFTS (British Association for Fair Trade Shops) – Jo Lawbuary herself.
Upon walking into the store it strikes you (and this is to be taken without pretension) that this is no ordinary high-street shop. The assortment and layering of colour is the first clue that sets Ganesha aside from the typical We Sell It, You Buy It stop-and-shop. With an outline and atmosphere typical to that of an Indian sari shop, the shelves and centre pieces are both charming and distinctly interesting in their clutter. And it is this authenticity which is again presented to us by the Fair Trade ambassador’s online-site (www.ganesha.co.uk).
It soon becomes apparent as you click-on that there is much more to simply sourcing, endorsing and selling for Ganesha. As you navigate your way through the photographs, press reports and news coverage; links to other fair trade suppliers, as well as their tailored fair trade and environmental policy, the products themselves almost disappear from sight. Instead, what is left is the impression that there is a true ’cause’ at work.
It seems here that the time old truism prevention is better than cure is at play. Not only is the improvement of living standards and the increase of wages in India headed at the top of their fair trade policy, but there are more community-based initiatives also set up – such as microfinance schemes. Trade unions and member associations are also a concerned factor. There is really a lot going on behind the scenes of this London storefront. What is most impressive about Ganesha is their approach to alternative trading as a realistic and viable solution; to not only support suffering economies but to harvest ecological alternatives and supply them here in Britain.
In modern day business it is an easy act to promote an ‘ethical’ or ‘green’ business-policy, that, to the stakeholder’s utter innocence, has gathered in a much broader and loyal band of regulars than years before. And it’s just as easy to spot a fake. But, it is even easier to celebrate a case of the ‘real deal’. See for yourself: drop-in and speak with one of the on-hand staff, or instead log-on to Ganesha’s website for further details and product information – there’s is a guarantee you won’t be disappointed in.
