GOOD BUSINESS April  1999

A BURNING ISSUE

"WE DON'T make the rules - we just have to try to enforce them" said the hapless Trading Standards officer quizzically examining our popular hand block printed cotton throws. The Local Authority Co-ordinating Office for Trading Standards is advising retailers and wholesalers in the United Kingdom that any item marketed as a loose fitting cover for settees and chairs must meet strict standards detailed in the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. These rules require the material to be expensively treated with fire retardant to inhibit combustion should it come into contact with fire.

HOWEVER as bed linen is entirely exempt from these rules -the SAME item intended for use as a bed cover does NOT have to be treated. Even more perversely, a cushion cover made from the same material and intended for use on a sofa or chair is ALSO exempt.

YOUR customers can use any piece of material any way they choose in their own home.  However it is illegal for any retailer or wholesaler to suggest through description or by image that an item should be used for covering a settee or chair unless it has been adequately fireproofed.

WONDERWORLD thinks this is a silly, unworkable regulation, which brings consumer safety law into disrepute. Nevertheless in common with various major retailers we will be describing our products as "bed throws" in future. If you stock them please check your merchandising and information to ensure conformity. Here is a point of sale message, which we hope will help your customers understand the situation.

Safety First - Guidance on Use of Desert Horizons Throws

HEATED DEBATES

IN OCTOBER WONDERWORLD attended a conference on Fair Trade organised by the Northern Irish branch of War on Want. It was a fascinating weekend. We had chance to learn about various concepts of Fair Trade and Ethical Trade. We participated in a workshop that highlighted the use of anti-child labour laws as a means of covert protectionism in the USA. We learnt about the trans-European project to establish common criteria for Fair Trade. Most importantly we were able to informally discuss at length with people providing links in the chain of Alternative Trade. As a result we have been able to identify more clearly where WONDERWORLD is currently located in respect of Fair Trade and Ethical Trade, and where it wants to go in the future.

THIS was WONDERWORLD's first opportunity to participate in discussions about Fair Trade & Ethical Trade from the inside. In Britain at the moment there are no structures that, as a matter of systematic policy, include small-scale importer/wholesalers like WONDERWORLD in the process of developing Alternative Trade. We believe that small-scale importer/wholesalers have much to offer. We have been actively contacting similar businesses to begin the process of getting our voices heard in the British Fair Trade/Ethical Trade movement.

ALL FIRED UP IN EAST ANGLIA

THIS spring WONDERWORLD welcomes a new partner in the perky persona of Martin Street.   Already famous as boss of the Fantoosh retail chain AND craftsman of quality didgeridoos, Martin has now become the WONDERWORLD agent for Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. Martin's blazing enthusiasm for all aspects of the business makes him a real joy to meet. 

A CHATTY lad, very affable, Martin's hobbies include being kidnapped & bundled into the boot of his own car by sinister men ......... and then escaping. If you are in his territory and want to hear more of this exciting tale - phone Martin on 01362 699460.

IN THE INCINERATORS OF CHESHIRE

JUST as we greet one brightly coloured new friend it is time to bid a sad farewell to a whole pallet (or even palette) of old ones. Trading Standards (yes - them again) have advised us that Juggling Animals must be regarded as toys intended for use by children under 3 years old (by virtue of their being stuffed, soft cased animal shapes).

REMAKING juggling animals to conform to these rules would render them commercially non-viable. Various packaging and presentational stratagems were discussed with the officials. At one point they seemed inclined to allow us to continue to supply juggling animals in specially designed packets with markings and forms of words which would protect the public from the danger which a juggling beast presents.

IN THE end Trading Standards took a more cautious approach. While accepting that this was indeed a "grey area", that only a court could determined the legal toyness of juggling fauna and that none has so far so determined, they said a strict application of the standards in EN 71 (Toy Safety) must nonetheless apply. Consequently our stocks of juggling creatures are to be burned to death in a Cheshire County Council incinerator ...... Unless .............

............ YOU are trading outside the UK, probably outside the European Community, in a territory where consuner safety rules are contrued differently than here. In that case you might like to provide a home for several thousand Juggling Animals by paying the original FOB purchase cost of these items in Thailand . We have numerous different varieties of juggling animal. E-mail us at info 'at' wonderworld.co.uk to pursue this matter if you are interested to save these innocent little creatures from the pyre.

TOO HOT TO HANDLE?

KITCHENWARE! We have a large quantity of natural dye Hand Block Printed Oven Glove and Aprons available for just £ 2.00 a set (2 Oven Gloves, 1 Apron). They come in four colour styles (Indigo Rice Flower, Green Rice Flower, Blue Sunflower/ Green Sunflower) . The oven gloves have been tested to the appropriate British Standard (BS 6526) and the apron is very ample indeed. E-mail us at info 'at' wonderworld.co.uk if you are interested.

OLD GREY BEARD burnt himself on a garden barbecue last week and is unable to supply his usual meaderings.