Some Christian retailers still hesitant, but others show interest in artisan products

For the first time at ICRS, fair trade companies basked in the spotlight through a panel, workshop and dedicated floor space. 

ICRS organizers partnered with several fair trade companies to educate buyers on the values, standards and inspirational stories behind fair trade products. The participating companies were Exotic World Gifts, Ten Thousand Villages, Global Handmade Hope, Fair Trade Fashion Designs and Guancasco. They offered jewelry, purses, Christmas ornaments and many other handmade products produced by artisans in countries such as Nepal and Ethiopia. 

“People are not always sure what fair trade is, so we think it’s important to share at least four bullet points with the customer,” said Cynthia Glensgard, president of Global Handmade Hope. “Those four are that fair trade products use no child or slave labor, are produced under good working conditions, promote gender equality and offer fair and living wages.” 

Paul Kuntz, manager of Arrowhead Parable Christian Store in Johnson City, N.Y., and Liz Allen, founder of Exotic World Gifts, led the panel and conducted a fair trade workshop. The panel showed what to look for when choosing to partner with fair trade organizations, such as membership in World Fair Trade or Fair Trade Federation. They explained that there is no certification of fair trade products, only fair trade foods, and offered other ways that retailers can be discerning. 

Likewise, the retailer workshop, led by Allen and Kuntz, highlighted the benefits of including fair trade products in Christian retail stores.

Shannon Hackman, new business and festival sales coordinator, said buyers were most interested in overtly Christian items. She feels there is a “learning curve” for retailers to understand that all fair trade products are “inspirational” in nature.

• Prev
• Next