Innovation

Merchants of Change sell a range of products all of which come from organisations who give back to the community in different ways. Each product sold has a unique story about how it is made and how it contributes to a more sustainable future, whether that be providing clean water or food to those in need, to products which are made 100% without toxins and are eco-friendly. Their innovation is their business model which aims to encourage its customers to be more aware in what they are purchasing and how it impacts the world. The owners have made a store that is filled with products and “by bringing these products together in one retail space, consumers can make an informed choice and make a positive difference, whilst having access to some amazing and unique creations."

Inspiration

The business founder Sia and her associate Emma both were inspired after they collaborated with TOMS who for every pair of shoes purchased give a pair of shoes to someone in need. They realised that there has to be more organisations that are giving back to the environment and the community in different ways and decided they wanted to create an avenue for concise purchasing. They were motivated to begin the hunt for similar organisations, take their product and create a space where customers would be exposed to businesses like this. The organisations that the products come from are carefully picked to ensure that the purchase of a product would really contribute to a more sustainable future whether that be through helping a child in need, supporting employment at fair wages, or giving back to the community.

Overall impact

The impact of the innovation on the business is that it not only attracts customers who have a common interest in a more sustainable future but it also educate new customers on the effects of purchasing products that are sold in Merchants of Change and how each specific item gives back to the community and environment. This store gives the average person an avenue to become more sustainable simply through a purchase. Merchants of Change's philosophy is “People, Planet, Purpose” and this is clearly shown through their store as all their products have the purpose of giving back to the planet or people in need.

Business benefit

The innovation benefits the business as there is an increasing pressure for people to become more sustainable and this store is a convenient way for people to start working towards a more sustainable future. Customers who want to give back will continue to come back to this store as they offer a range of products from clothing and drink bottles to kids toys and homewares, and customers who have not thought about sustainability become inspired by the store after hearing the unique stories of each product from the lovely owner of the store Sia.

Social and environmental benefit

Merchants of Change benefit the environment and the society in a number of ways, through selling their products they not only educate and motivate their customers about a more sustainable future but they also assist with

• Providing employment that pays fair living wages in many communities, enabling a better quality of life
• Providing technology to aid the hearing impaired
• Fighting hunger through providing meals
• Facilitating independent living for women in poverty
• Funding for sporting programs in remote Indigenous communities
• Vital access to clean drinking water for a number of communities
• Education for children in disadvantaged communities
• Providing employment for the visually impaired
• Empowering women through employment and training opportunities
• Reducing landfills through supporting suppliers that recycle

all of which is done through selling their products.

Interview

Sia Dionyssopoulos, Director