Fair Indigo
570 N. Midvale Blvd., 824-8974
www.fairindigo.com
Noon-5 pm Sun., 10 am-9 pm Mon.-Fri., 10 am-6 pm Sat.
Shopping is a selfish activity that benefits only one person: You. Except what if you not only made yourself happy with your shopping habit, but also benefited others?
At Fair Indigo, you can do just that. A fair-trade clothing company launched by former Lands' End execs, the store opened at Hilldale last November and is one of the country's first major fair-trade apparel brands, selling 'stylish pieces that compensate a fair wage,' says retail manager Julie Krbec. The company was recently profiled in Time.
Before the opening, CEO Bill Bass and fellow Lands' End alums traversed the globe for a year, searching out ethical factory owners who could also create high-quality pieces. 'When you go to the factories, you can see the difference you are making,' says Bass.
At the store, you won't have to sacrifice luxury for social consciousness. The clothes are beautifully displayed on bamboo hangers. A computer kiosk lets you scan an item's bar code for its history and customer ratings. And there are fitting rooms with forgiving adjustable lighting and comfy chairs.
So bring home a knit top made by Lin, a sewer from Macau City and mother of a 7-year-old daughter. Or a pair of pants made by Jorge, a pattern-maker from Costa Rica and grandfather to a large family. Or bath salts made by a group of New Orleans single moms. And do some good for yourself. And some good in the world.
Be a do-gooder with these stylish items: Slim Fit Jeans ($59); Golden Bauble Necklace ($49); Queen B Bath Salts ($28).
