Key issues & events impacting design.

In high street stores, there is more consideration for ethical conduct than in the lower ranks of the market - fibres are sustainably sourced and, where possible, there is an effort to reduce the global impact of shipping and production. A lot of the websites for these stores have designated sections of their websites to inform the reader of ethical practise and their impact on the environment as well as the global events impacting design. As well as their online store, Conran have a blog

(found at http://www.conrantalkingshop.com/uk/category/handcrafted-in-britain/)On here, there is information about the copyright amendment campaign "Equal Rights For Design" which Conran were a supporting member of. Speaking of this issue, Terence Conran says:
‘By protecting new designs more generously, we are encouraging more investment of time and talent in British design. That will lead to more manufacturing in Britain, and that in turn will lead to more jobs – which we desperately need right now. Properly protected design can help make the UK a profitable workshop again. We have the creative talent – lets use it.’

Likewise, Toast have a very clear and easy to find statement on their ethical policies such as treatment of animals, international trade, environmental impact and charity organisations. they also heavily support artisan makers and craftsmen and have high standards of quality when it comes to products to ensure their longevity. 

All the info can be found here!

Why?
 Quality and ability to last. The furniture in the highend highstreet stores is designed to last, not wear out as quickly and to potentially be passed down generations.
  This being the case, there is no need to repurchase after a few years.