For most retailers, price and popularity top their list of considerations when sourcing merchandise.
Paula Anderson’s buying criteria focus on organic, natural and eco-friendly, as well as fairly traded and ethically made.
“Everything that I have has to fit one or two of those components,” said the owner of Wicked Green, a Red Deer shop that opened two weeks ago.
Products there run the gamut from flower-based jellies to bamboo socks and wheat bags.
“I don’t know if there’s any focus,” acknowledged Anderson. “It’d definitely be more of a ‘chick’ store.
“A lot of the products are made by women, so they’re things that women would want.”
Not only are they made by women, they’re made by local women. Anderson believes homemade items are a greener alternative to factory goods — from the smaller environmental footprint of their production process to less packaging.
She found many of her suppliers at farmers’ markets, where she spent considerable time looking for ideas.
“Which wasn’t exactly a horrible thing, because I love them.”
And she thinks many consumers are of a similar mind.
“A lot of people love the farmers’ markets, and that’s kind of what it is in a way is an indoor farmers’ market.”
Originally from Red Deer, Anderson and her husband James operated a small video store in Caroline for five years. When it came time to contemplate her next venture, she settled on a retail business that promotes environmentally sustainable lifestyles.
“I believe in being green and I am very green, so this is just a passionate project for me.”
Anderson had planned to sell online, but ultimately decided to go with a physical storefront.
“I thought, ‘I’m just going to take the leap and I’m just going to do it.’”
Now that Wicked Green is open, Anderson is getting plenty of suggestions for new products. She expects her merchandise mix to evolve over time.
Among her current offerings are products for children and babies, including toys, diapers and bamboo wipes.
“That’s where it should start,” she said. “We need to teach our kids to be green.”
Wicked Green is located in the Old Brew Plaza at No. 119, 5301 43rd St. Its hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, but this could change as customers’ preferences are determined, said Anderson.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com