By Ian Holmes

Fair trade store offers unique options to Nanaimo shoppers

Nov 30, 2018 | 2:36 PM

NANAIMO — Pajamas made by women rescued from the sex trade in India are one of the many products sold by Global Village Nanaimo.

Joan Hiemstra, operations manager of the seasonal fair trade store, said shoppers in the Nanaimo area have shown a keen interest in supporting disadvantaged producers from around the world over the past 20 years.

“Our goal is to make sure as many people as possible know what fair trade is and know why it’s a good choice and to make that an easy choice for them.”

Hiemstra said their non-profit store sells everything from clothing and accessories to children’s toys and edibles made by hundreds of people in dozens of countries. She said 10 key fair trade principles must be followed by their producers, which include ensuring workers are treated fairly, no child or forced labour is used, and the environment is respected.

“We don’t price for what the market will bear and that’s a surprise to people, they assume fair trade is more expensive. Sometimes it is, but often it’s not.”

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Hiemstra said producers are paid in advance before ordered products arrive.

Global Village Nanaimo is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. on Terminal Ave. at Campbell St. until Dec. 24.

The store also sells products online.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes