By Lisa Carolin
This Saturday, May 13, is World Fair Trade Day, and Global Marketplace will be offering 20-percent off all purchases as well as mini fair trade cupcakes.
“World Fair Trade Day is a day we celebrate the difference that people can make by purposely shopping ethically,” said Global Marketplace owner Kevin Frahm. “We celebrate our artisan partners and farmers who produce fair trade food and other products and say thank you to the customers of Global Marketplace.”
Fair trade supports craftspeople and farmers in developing countries who are economically and socially marginalized and face steep hurdles finding markets and customers for their goods.
“Fair trade is an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system,” said Frahm. “The Global Marketplace is honored to be part of this movement since 1999, and we are humbled by the warm and loving support we receive in Chelsea as well as finding other like-minded individuals and businesses we can partner with.”
The Chelsea City Council made Chelsea Michigan’s first fair trade town two years ago. Frahm says he is grateful and that it is important to him to support the community. Global Marketplace will again be participating in the Chelsea Gold fundraiser this year to support the school district.
“We are happy to support like-minded organizations such as the Interfaith Council of Peace and Justice from Ann Arbor by being a point of contact for folks to pick up their ‘We Support our Neighbors’ signs and One World One Family’s Rainbow flags,” said Frahm.
The Global Marketplace is located at 105 S. Main St. and has expanded its selection since moving from West Middle Street. There is an in-store kiosk for customers to peruse the website of more than 1,500 fair trade items from around the globe. The store sells fair trade coffee, chocolate, teas and olive oil as well as artwork, jewelry, musical instruments, toys, scarves, Alpaca capes and more.
Frahm says he is looking forward to Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights as well as the Festival Weekend when Global Marketplace will offer free chair massages, henna tattoo and homemade treats.
