New Store: Latitudes Fair Trade in Fredericksburg

Open just in time for Thanksgiving, Fredericksburg’s newest small business exemplifies the spirit of the holiday year-round. The store carries only fair-trade products from developing countries, ensuring a large chunk of profit reaches the artisans who crafted each item.

Latitudes Fair Trade opened at 806 Caroline St. in Downtown Fredericksburg on Sunday, Nov. 23. This store, owned by Lee and Terry Owsley, is the second of its kind. The Owsley’s opened their first Latitudes Fair Trade in Warrenton.

The store is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, which aims to support farmers and artisans in developing countries by:

• Creating Opportunities for Economically and Socially Marginalized Producers

• Developing Transparent and Accountable Relationships

• Building Capacity

• Paying Promptly and Fairly

• Supporting Safe and Empowering Working Conditions

• Ensuring the Rights of Children

• Cultivating Environmental Stewardship

• Respecting Cultural Identity

At Latitudes Fair Trade, customers can browse through jewelry, clothing, baskets, scarves and more coming from seven countries. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Saturday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

image via shutterstock