Fair Trade Decor Supports Global Artisans

Betsy and Jude Paganelli started selling fair trade merchandise about a year ago at local farmer's markets and officially opened their first Fair Trade Decor store in Del Mar earlier this month.

Many stores sell fair trade products, but the Paganellis wanted to showcase entirely Fair Trade Federation certified products made by artists around the world.

"I love home decor, but I wanted to put a twist on it," said Betsy Paganelli. "I put the the two together and it made the perfect fit."

The store features products from over 20 different countries, including wire baskets from South Africa, wood carvings from Kenya and textiles from India. Story cards are placed next to items throughout the store to help shoppers identify where the work came from and what it's made of.

Many of the items on display are made from natural and recycled materials. Betsy Paganelli said some of the most popular items among customers are the felted flowers from Nepal and the saris from Bangladesh. 

In addition to supporting global artisans, a percentage of the store's proceeds goes to The Green School in Bali, Indonesia to help educate students about the environment.

Fair Trade Decor

• Address: 1412 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA  92014
• Phone: 858-461-1263
• Web: fairtradedecor.com
• Facebook: Fair Trade Decor
• Twitter:  @fairtradedecor
• Hours: Mon.—Sun., 10 a.m.—7 p.m. (hours may vary during summer)
• Payment: American Express, MasterCard, Visa, debit and cash
• Parking: Street
• Products: 100 percent fair trade products from global artisans
• Services:  Free shipment on purchases $100+
• Date opened: March 3, 2013
• Number of stores: 1
• Owners: Betsy and Jude Paganelli