This Is Guernsey

A FURNITURE shop that imports goods exclusively from Bali has celebrated its first birthday. Toko, in Route Militaire, Vale, has been selling items such as settees made from banana leaf.

Co-owner Rob Taylor said the business had developed at an extraordinary pace.

‘We have been pleased with our first year’s trading,’ he said.

‘Our formula of changing stock frequently and supplying original pieces has obviously worked because the response from customers has been excellent.

‘We have been really busy since participating in the [Guernsey Press] Home & Lifestyle Show at Beau Sejour, where we came runner-up for best stand.

‘Opening Toko gifts was a move inspired by customers as initially we tended to supply only larger items.’

All the items at Toko is one-off, such as a coffee table made from an old bridge and silver bracelets with semi-precious stones.

The company takes great pride in being as environmentally friendly as possible and all wood-based products come from sustainable teak.

It is also recognised by Mitra Bali, a non-governmental, non-profit body, as being Fairtrade in its approach to business arrangements with its suppliers.

Co-owner Steve Snell said that ethos was important to the business. ‘It’s crucial to make sure that the money is going to the right people,’ he said.

‘A lot of people assume that because things come from the Far East people are getting exploited, but in fact that’s not always the case any more.’

Mr Snell, who also owns Pieces bar in Town, and Mr Taylor, an aircraft engineer, have made three trips to Bali in the past year to find the best suppliers.

Each time they go they discover new product ideas and even higher quality suppliers with whom to do business.

Toko, which is Indonesian for shop, could soon be opening a Jersey branch.

Mr Taylor said he felt the company had filled a gap in the market in Guernsey where quality of goods and service were of paramount importance.

‘We would like to thank Lucas Freight for all their help and always doing their best for us,’ he said. ‘Also our customers for supporting us by making the effort to come to the shop in the Vale to see us.’