By Ian Holmes

Nanaimo’s fair trade store offers a different shopping experience

Dec 19, 2016 | 4:05 PM

NANAIMO — Nanaimo’s fair trade store couldn’t be more opposite than your average big box shopping experience.

Global Village Nanaimo ensures producers from around the world get a fair wage for their work, according to Operations Manager Joan Hiemstra.

She says their Longwood Station store, which carries a wide range of clothing accessories, crafts, coffees and teas, supports hundreds of people in more than 20 countries.

“Nanaimo is regularly growing and learning more and more about Global Village,” said Hiemstra. “We have more new people coming everyday…we’re thrilled with the response here.”

Global Village Nanaimo has had a presence locally for about 20-years, according to Hiemstra. She says they hear from shoppers who appreciate what they offer for two main reasons.

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“We have some who just come because what we have is unique. They’re looking for something different than what they’ve seen at all of the other places and we have things that no one else has,” said Hiemstra. “We do have a lot of others who come because they want to spend their money where they know it will support positive work and not sweatshops.”

Hiemstra says Global Village Nanaimo, a non-profit store, has ten main principles. She says workers must attain a fair wage which covers all costs of production. She adds that the workers they support must be respected in their work environment and have opportunities to grow in their field. Global Village Nanaimo does not do business with child labourers, she says.

Longtime Global Village Nanaimo supporter Anya Flagg was browsing through the 1,700 square foot store late on Monday morning. She says spending her holiday dollars there is a no-brainer.

“We are so fortunate to be here. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share our goodness with other people,” Flagg said. Flagg was sporting a colourful scarf purchased from the store, which was made in Guatemala.

“The colours are so rich and I feel like I’m touching the tropics and I’m touching the families who helped make these, it’s a win-win.”

Global Village will be open this season until Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. Hiemstra hopes to increase their presence with an online store in the new year, in addition to leasing out a space seasonally in the winter.