Fair trade flourishes at La Bodega
By Alanna Thiede
La Bodega, a funky fair trade boutique, is the most recent addition to East Lansing’s bustling Grand River Avenue. The store opened in August 2009, just in time for the annual influx of college student shoppers.
The store’s name, La Bodega, meaning “the warehouse” in Spanish, was inspired by its first source of products in South America.
“We like to remember and honor where we began,” said Denice Miller, manager of La Bodega.
Located at 619 E. Grand River Ave., La Bodega boasts a motto of “$15 or less.” The store carries fair trade items from dozens of countries including Indonesia, Nepal and India.
“We work mostly with women’s co-operatives in the hope that our business will support families and humanitarian efforts,” Miller said.
Fair trade stores aim to support ethnic artisans in developing countries and promote sustainability. They try to ensure fair wages, safe working environments and economic independence.
All products are bought directly from the co-operative and imported directly to the store’s warehouse. This buying and shipping process keeps the prices low and reduces the amount of costs passed on to consumers.
“We do a lot of work to make it $15 or less,” Miller said.
Inventory control is done in house and the owners encourage the co-operatives to recycle their materials into more products.
“40 to 50 percent of our goods are made from recycled and/or sustainable materials, which creates a fair exchange with the earth as well,” Miller said.
Freshmen Sarah Kurtz and Katherine Kitchen shop at La Bodega (Photo by Alanna Thiede)
La Bodega sells silk sari skirts and fabric headbands made from the remnants of other creations. The store’s management prides themselves in providing earth friendly alternatives to synthetic materials produced in factories.
La Bodega is full of richly colored clothing and accessories with ethnic patterns, as well as simple, everyday designs.
Although the owner of La Bodega is hoping to become an East Lansing staple, the store has roots in Ann Arbor. La Bodega is an extension of Orchid Lane, another fair trade store. Next the Orchid Lane store is the Warehouse, which is the original “$15 or less” location. Orchid Lane has been open in Ann Arbor sine 1986.
“Orchid Lane is a powerful landmark for the city, and I hope that we can have the same effect in East Lansing,” Miller said.
Miller worked at the Ann Arbor store for five years and thinks that La Bodega has the right ingredients for long-term success.
“Customers seem impressed with our prices, selection and quality, all key elements to success,” Miller said.
“I saw the wooden Buddha in the window and came in,” said Alexander Webb, a general management sophomore.
Webb, a first time shopper at La Bodega, was also drawn to the knit winter hats and was impressed by the low prices.
“I will spend at least $30 here,” Webb said.
Miller said the business has been good, even in bad economic times. The majority of La Bodega’s customers are students because of the low price point and the store’s close proximity to Michigan State University.
No-preference freshman Sarah Kurtz came in last weekend and bought a hat.
“I came back for some mittens to match,” Kurt said.
Kurtz and pre-med freshman Katherine Kitchen liked the idea of fair trade and the unique, handmade apparel.
As people looked at instruments, accessories and clothes, Miller explained their origins and how they were made. Every piece had an interesting story to tell.
“I have people from all walks of life coming in and finding something that they just have to have; be it a simple black tank top or a hand carved weeping Buddha for their dorm room,” Miller said.
Very informative article. I’m ready to go shopping!
Great article! I will definitely check out La Bodega right away. Can’t wait to read more from you, Ms. Thiede!
I suddenly have the urge to buy mittens. Nice Work !
I like that the edge supports fair trade and does articles about local merchants. I liked the pics of guys in hats too.
thanks