Going even greener as firms unite

Mar 27 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

GREEN online retailer ethicalsuperstore has announced a merger with a southern counterpart, as it targets rapid growth in the eco-friendly, organic and fair trade sectors.T

he Gateshead firm has joined forces with Natural Collection – an ethical retailer which is headquartered in Bath which also owns a warehouse in Sunderland.

The combined company, which operates in the UK’s £32bn market for ethical and Fair trade products and services, is projecting ambitious growth, with sales in the region of £8m for 2009/10.

It will continue to trade under both names using both online and mail order catalogue to reach its customers, while there are no plans for the company to move out of the North East.

Ethicalsuperstore’s chief executive Andy Redfern said: “Joining forces will enable both companies to build for an exciting future and to steer a good path through the challenging retail environment.”

Joanne Spector, co-founder of Natural Collection, added: “Our new partnership creates great energy as we join together in our drive to promote fair trade and ecological products, which is especially important during a time when producers need the most support.”

Ethicalsuperstore.com, the younger of the two companies, was founded in 2004 by Vic Morgan and Andy Redfern; www.ethicalsuperstore.com is one-stop shop for fair trade, organic and eco-friendly products.

Natural Collection, founded in 1999 by Julian and Joanne Spector, is a pioneering mail order retailer which offers consumers natural and organic products through the pages of its catalogue and online shop. A three-time winner of The Observer’s Ethical Awards and positive voice for change in the sector, www.naturalcollection.com has blazed a trail on ethical retail even before it became fashionable.

Vic Morgan, co-founder of the EthicalSuperstore.com, said: “Despite adverse economic climate this team has no intention of being held back. Together we are stronger.”

Julian Spector said: “We see tremendous growth opportunities in the UK market.”