East Lansing-based fair trade carrier, Kirabo, has expanded its suppliers from 12 to 20 since opening in August 2007.
Kirabo's owner, Gail Catron, says she’s seen revenue and foot traffic increase since opening in 2007. Kirabo is right in the middle of downtown East Lansing and gets plenty of visibility during East Lansing’s many summer festivals.
“We have definitely increased sales,” she says. “We have so much new stuff to offer.”
Catron buys goods from 35 different counties. The artisans she purchases her goods from make everything from recycled magazine baskets to clay pots to elephant dung paper.
Two years ago, Catron didn’t know anything about fair trade, which allows artisans from all over the world to receive 20 to 40 percent of the retail price on their goods. Typically, an artisan receives less than one percent of the sale, Catron says.
After getting involved with a church-organized fair trade agreement, Catron decided to open the first fair trade shop in downtown East Lansing.
“We really just reach out to the disadvantaged or disabled artisans,” she says.
Before opening her 215 Ann Street Plaza shop, Kirabo gutted the 1,100 square foot store.
Source: Gail Catron, Kirabo
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
All Photographs © Dave Trumpie
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