Beloved Nanaimo fair trade store ready for holiday rush


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.”

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.”

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.

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