Worldly Goods’ fair trade practices
October 1, 2006
It seems fair trade is often a topic reserved for political debates and rallies, but an Ames retailer is putting that concept into action and providing central Iowa with a worldwide marketplace.
Worldly Goods, 223 Main St., sidesteps corporate America and presents a unique shopping experience that provides direct connections between artists and customers.
Established in 1987 by Ames resident Holly Burkhalter, the store has changed locations three times and has more than 80 staff volunteers.
“Worldly Goods is a nonprofit retail store that sells fair trade goods from around the world,” said Tina Thill, manager at Worldly Goods.
AT A GLANCE
The ONE Campaign: This organization stands for fair trade and is actively involved in fighting AIDS and extreme poverty around the world. Get involved at One.org.
Adopt-a-Supermarket: Co-op America is rallying a campaign that encourages people around America to get their local supermarkets to support fair trade. Just go to coopamerica.org and sign up for resources and a free tote bag.
Volunteer at Worldly Goods: You can either go online to Worldlygoods.org, or stop by the store for an application. Sales volunteers work two three-hour shifts per month.
Promotions: As Worldly Goods celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is offering a 20 percent discount on the 20th day of each month for the entire year. Also, each month Worldly Goods celebrates a holiday in one of the countries it represents. Food and entertainment are provided. Call (515)-233-4568 for more information.
Fair trade is an alternative to international trade and was created to help under-represented producers have their creations purchased on a global scale. In Ames, Worldly Goods currently offers products from more than 40 developing countries.
But what may set the shopping experience apart from more conventional stores is the link that is formed between the customer and the creator.
“We feel it is important to know where everything in the store is from and the story behind it,” said Greg Bruna, assistant manager at Worldly Goods. “Which is why, when someone buys something from Worldly Goods, they go home with more than just an item.”
Although Worldly Goods does not serve as a direct communicator with the artists, the store tries to help out in times of need.
“If there was some sort of disaster in one of the areas that we represent, then we usually have a promotional sale for those people to try and get a little more cash flow to their area,” Bruna said.
Although some may wonder how a small Iowa city can be host to such a diverse global market, an artistic connection and a youthful mindset from ISU students may have been what has helped perpetuate Worldly Goods’ success during the past 20 years.
“A store like ours does best in a college community because of its progressive nature, which is why our store continues to grow,” Thill said. “It shows that fair trade is catching on, even in Iowa.”
In supporting global initiatives through its wares, the cost of items at Worldly Goods varies greatly. Bruna said items can cost from more than $100 all the way down to 75 cents.
“We try to offer a wide range in terms of price and product,” Bruna said. “In the end, we just want to promote fair trade as much as possible.”
On campus, some students feel that supporting businesses like Worldly Goods is necessary part of the community.
“Worldly Goods is a great store in that it supports and promotes fair trade,” said Sam Carrell, freshman in engineering.
