Fair trade shop leaves Monmouth after three years of serving the community

A COMMUNITY minded fair trade and gift shop says its farewell in Monmouth after serving the town for three years.

Moon Shadow Trading, based in White Swan Court in Monmouth, is leaving the town after three years of serving the local community. The shop sells ethically sourced clothing and goods from around the world. But for store owner Charis Simpson it was more like a “community hub”.

A farewell equinox gathering will be held at the shop on September 19, with the business’s final day of trading taking place on Saturday, September 26.

Charis has a background in the charity community sector and has always liked independent shops like Moon Shadow.

“I walked past here and I was like that’s the shop. I had a vision and I knew this would be the shop.

Combining her passion for helping the community with her love of retail, she created a welcoming space where people could come together. The shop featured a community notice wall, a little library and a sofa where visitors could pick up a book and read.

“I care about the community and doing what I can to make a difference. So, doing things like that and events is another one of my ways of making it more than a shop.

Over the past three years, Moon Shadow trading has also supported other businesses in the town, helping to create a supportive environment and promote a positive local business community.

“It’s also been about collaboration over competition. I have got so many amazing customers who have been so supportive of the shop.

“It has been amazing doing this for three years, I have absolutely loved it. It has built my confidence in so many areas and given me so many skills.

Now, as the shop’s three-year lease comes to an end, the owner is looking ahead to the next chapter and whatever that might bring.

“Thank you for all the support over the years. I know it is a bit sad that we’re closing but there are so many other amazing businesses out there.”