subject: College Students Find Deeper Value In Fair Trade [print this page] If your retail store, e-business or other means of marketing is located in a college town or directed at college-aged consumers you might consider offering fair trade clothing. The fact of the matter is that college students are some of the most ethically oriented consumers out there, and fashion is a high priority.
The fair trade wholesale offerings available are skyrocketing, and clothing is no exception. Take a tour online and you will see for yourself. The fact that college-aged consumers find deeper value in fair trade clothing is not so surprising when you consider the way college students are often engaged in deeply passionate exploration of their values, politics and world view. This is why retailers who consider such fashion items as wholesale scarves are at an immediate advantage when they include the most ethically produced choices they can.
Consider finding out about the college market through some simple steps. First, spend time at your local campus, getting to know the political climate. Ask students what they care about when shopping for clothing. Ask if they are aware of fair trade as a social and economic model. Explore the subject in any forum that seems fitting. A visit to a lecture or two on world economics, social justice or other relevant subjects could point you in other directions. Local food coops might be interested in supporting fair trade and the members there could be valuable resources as you measure interest levels.
Other useful pursuits could include visits to local farmer's markets, craft shows and college-based trade venues. See if there is any interest in a fair trade craft show. Perhaps a grassroots movement is not so far off.
College radio is another place to inquire about interest in fair trade. For example, if you can find a way to meet various deejays and commentators you might find yourself a guest on a show, discussing fair trade and its potential for positive impact in the world.
Eventually hard work pays off when the planning behind it makes sense. In this case the planning makes perfect sense. College students are some of the most likely consumers to consider fair trade. Savvy retailers will take advantage of this trait.
