Denise Kacarevich has an eye for design and she isn’t afraid to use it – specifically for promoting Canadian and Fair Trade products in her store.
Since 2008, Denise has run Seasons on Mill Street, which she describes as “an eclectic mix of antiques and modern.”
When making purchases for the store, Denise focuses on objects made by Canadian designers and Fair Trade companies.
“I try as much as possible to buy Canadian and Fair Trade,” she says. “I want people to shop local and go promoting other Canadians.”
Twice a year, Denise goes to the Toronto Gift Fair on the hunt for new and interesting items for the store. Through the Fair, she has discovered mirrors, lamps and rings, all made by small Canadian manufacturers.
The furniture she sells is made locally as well. Customers who admire the wooden table in the front of the store can order it for their own homes in any size or finish.
However, Denise does make exceptions to the local rule – unless you think of the United Kingdom as local (which Denise, who was born in Portsmouth, England, might). She carries a line of sweaters, for example, that hails from Glasgow, Scotland.
For her store, Denise also seeks out sellers from Fair Trade companies. The term “Fair Trade” refers to the concept of fairness in the marketplace. Merchandisers who sell Fair Trade products ensure the artisans who make the products are paid fairly for their work. It is the opposite of mass production.
“I think everyone should get a fair wage,” Denise explains simply.
Right now in the store, you can find bracelets from Argentina, purses from Indonesia, silk scarves from Cambodia, lamps from the Philippines and pillows from India.
Visit Seasons at 168 Mill Street or “like” Seasons in Creemore on Facebook for updates.