Global Village Nanaimo's seasonal winter store is located at 427 Fitzwilliam St. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

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NANAIMO — Unique in so many ways, Global Village Nanaimo offers an unparalleled local shopping experience.

The non-profit organization, one year removed from its 25th anniversary, provides a range of household goods, clothing accessories, baskets, jewelry and coffee among many other items produced by cooperative and independent producers around the world.

Executive director Joan Hiemstra said they follow several conditions representatives of artists must adhere to, including fair wages, job advancement assurances, suitable working conditions, respecting the environment and no child labour.

“Customers are getting to understand that about us and to appreciate that that’s what they’re seeing on the shelves, is products made under those circumstances,” Hiemstra told NanaimoNewsNOW at their seasonal Old City Quarter store.

A wide range of clothing and household goods are offered by Global Village Nanaimo. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNew)

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Hiemstra said all inventory is paid for in full up-front.

Transparency on pricing, where their products come from and who made them has been a recipe for an ever-building clientele and many repeat customers, Hiemstra said.

“A lot of our products have got a usefulness to them, they make gives that people are happy to give often as well.”

These knitted slippers from Nepal are hugely popular, Hiemstra said. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Hundreds of products from dozens of artists representing about 20 countries are available at the Nanaimo store.

Big sellers this year, Hiemstra said, have been comfort items like mugs, slippers and socks.

She said the vibrant, authentic feel of their store amazes many of their customers.

“A lot of customers are overwhelmed, many customers are coming back two, three four times because there is just so much to see.”

Embroidered bags made by women in Mongolia. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

While a few more shipments are expected shortly, including a large shipments of baskets from Bangladesh, Hiemstra advised to shop early in order to take advantage of the most selection.

Global Village Nanaimo is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 427 Fitzwilliam St. until Dec. 23.

The business has generated enough sales to sustain a twice a year store in the spring and winter store for the past several years.

More information on Global Village Nanaimo, including products available on its online store, can be found here.

Large felt trivets produced in Nepal (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Mugs, such as these ones from Guatemala, have been in high-demand at GVN this year. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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