THE BAZAAR: Market for Fair Trade & Organic

Summary

THE BAZAAR is a socio-economic retail store located in Pokhara, Nepal, which aims to promote concepts of ‘sustainability’ in Nepali societies and to sell local products at a profit. The store includes an organic restaurant, a fair-trade shop and a market for organic groceries and fresh food produce all under one roof. THE BAZAAR forms an essential connection between local producers and urban
middle-class consumers.

Business case

The new middle class in Nepal is becoming a powerful consumer class looking for bargains that fits its changing lifestyle. This change provides unlimited opportunities for retailers of consumer goods but endangers the livelihoods of traditional (local) producers as well as the natural environment. The need for balanced growth in Nepal is evident. Creating a balance requires responsible consumer behavior and the availability of ‘sustainable’ products: environment friendly and produced by local producers. Research has shown that consumers in Pokhara are open to the idea of sustainable products, especially if the products are authentic and relate to traditional values and solidarity.

Solution

THE BAZAAR tries to balance the impact of increasing consumerism. Its innovative retail store sells a popular variety of locally produced products to its middle-class customers. THE BAZAAR sells organically grown products, ensures that procurement is fair-trade, that its marketing operations raise awareness and that sales are profitable.

Social impact

Over 500 community producers have access to formal markets through THE BAZAAR. Middle-class consumers (In total 60% of 250,000 population) are sensitised to purchase local and sustainable products.

Request

THE BAZAAR invites investors to support the organisation’s desire to become financially viable by substituting 39,00,000 nrs high-interest (start-up) loans with soft loans, and to improve sales by implementing a 15,00,000 nrs. retail marketing plan.