
© Adobe stock | godsandkings
The Saint Louis Zoo has exemplified this mission in the products it carries at its gift store. Tommy Brown, retail manager, buyer of conservation goods and Zoo, Aquarium and Garden Buyers Group (ZAG) Board of Directors member, shares more about the zoo’s buying strategy and advice for other retailers in a Q&A with Seaside Retailer.
Seaside Retailer: Why is carrying fair trade or ethically produced products important for Saint Louis Zoo’s gift shops?
Tommy Brown: “People Matter” is one of our three keys at the Saint Louis Zoo, and we take this very seriously. People have to always be a part of conservation. We cannot help animals without helping people.
Related Article: Paper with a
poo-pose
poo-pose
SR: How do customers respond to these types of products?
TB: Our guests respond very well to these products. People love the uniqueness of these handcrafted items, as most are not readily available in the marketplace. We work directly with many of our crafters in product development.

The Saint Louis Zoo gift store sells fair-trade stone sculptures, baskets, wood carvings, beaded items, wall art, paintings and jewelry.
When we were in Kenya, we developed a cell phone holder made of stone. We have to constantly think about new designs or ideas to stay relevant in the world of today. When people come in the gift shops they are not looking for a butter-churn, but they may need a handmade hair tie. Always keep the crafts relevant to the era you are living within, unless it is just a true decorative piece.
SR: How can a retailer determine if a company they want to do business with is a fair trade company?
TB: Fair Trade can be looked at in many ways. These are a few things we look for: 1) Are the people given a fair wage for their area of the world? 2) How are the people treated? 3) Is food provided around sustainable mining operations as not to decimate the environment around the mine? 4) Are the products destroying ecosystems or animal habitats? We have to be fair for the environment as well. 5) Are ethics, diversity and inclusion being considered when selecting a company? 6) Are they improving the lives of people without destroying their culture? 7) Ask if they support any conservation efforts with the funds they make within their company. 8) As a buyer, research the company and never take anything at face value.
SR: What does it mean to be certified fair trade versus simply doing business fairly? Are both okay? Are there companies making claims that aren’t substantiated?
TB: There are a few certification organizations out there in the industry that ensure products measure to a certain standard. Do not limit yourself to only certified fair trade companies. If you know the company and have done research on the company, then it is up to you as the buyer to make the call on whether or not to buy from them.
Related Article: On a mission
SR: Where can one go to find fair trade products to carry in their store? Where do you go?
TB: We carry “fair trade” in these categories: stone sculptures, baskets, wood carvings, beaded items, tea, spices, coffee, wall art, paintings, jewelry and recycled/upcycled.
SR: Why should a seaside retailer consider carrying fair trade products?
TB: We have but one world, and it should be considered in every profit-and-loss statement. Ensuring sustainability for the future is a must, not an option. For years, most companies used the earth and just took from it without considering the ramifications for the future. Our generation is just starting to see the effects of this abuse, and we need to take action now as companies and shoppers to slow the destruction of our planet. When doing any kind of business consider the “green” bottom line. The green bottom line consists of the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental and social. All three of these pillars must reside in a state of homeostasis in order to help mend the world.
Related Article: Breaking the cycle of poverty in Nicaragua
SR: What approach should a retailer take when introducing fair trade items into their store/displays?
TB: Start with a sampling of different fairly traded products and test the sales. Yes, we all want to help people and the planet, but if the items just sit on your shelves, it helps no one. Once you find the correct conservation minded products, bring them in and feature them with a story. Share these stories through conversations, videos or signs.