Fair Trade Outfitters, located in the heart of downtown Langley at 112 Anthes, has been Whidbey Island’s only Patagonia retailer for over five years. Owners Barry and Lilly van Gerbig moved to Whidbey in late 2012 after visiting Barry’s mother on the island for nearly 25 years. They realized that the island was where they wanted to live, and decided to create a special retail business.
Barry had worked with Lilly in the wholesale side of a successful women’s printed resort collection (Govango), with the prints based on his unique, whimsical art. He says, “I think that most of our customers from near and far return because of how much fun they have dropping in to look around at any new shipments that have arrived, and they know they don’t have to leave the island to find what they need."
In March 2015, after attending the Whidbey Institute's "Thriving Communities" weekend, it was clear to them that ethic and karma should play a major role in how business is done. A few days after deciding they’d like to start a fair trade boutique, they were lucky enough to meet the new owners of the former City Hall building on Anthes, and realized it was for rent.
The van Gerbigs note: “Each season brings in a wide selection of women’s outerwear, sweaters, vests, raincoats, tops, leggings, and some classic men’s pieces including shirts, vests, sweaters, and rain jackets.” They have expanded their men’s Patagonia line. Barry adds: “Our customers are happily surprised at the large selection we have.” He also notes: “What’s great with Patagonia is that if something goes wrong, they will fix it, or replace it.”
In addition, they also carry a full line of Maggie’s Organics, an organic cotton line of clothing that feels and looks wonderful. A special favorite in the store is their colorful Soulmate sock line with crazy mismatched socks for adults, children and infants.
“Fair Trade” means the products are made by artisans and workers given fair living wages, who work in clean, safe environments. That includes careful thought to how the product will not harm the local environment. Safe plant dyes used in organic cottons also go a long way to helping. Barry and Lilly van Gerbig believe “With Fair Trade it’s easy now to be connected to the soul of what we buy, and the difference in cost is negligible, compared to other quality brands.”
Barry Van Gerbig’s says, “Apparel is such a great gift for the holidays and other occasions, and we have a policy of easy exchange if they need a different size, or color.”
Fair Trade Outfitters carries FLAX linens, Maggie’s Organics, and Malia Designs, which has a handbag and tote line out of Cambodia made from recycled cement and feed/grain bags. The owners of this business fight human trafficking while offering sustainable income to women in Cambodia.
Barry says, "The best companies have long-term relationships with each village, investing profits back into the community to help start clinics, subsidize childhood education, and organize micro-loans to further strengthen and build struggling communities and economies.” The whole concept is that families should NOT have to choose between housing, education, and nutrition, so they can afford all with enough left to thrive and give back to their own communities.
The store also displays some of Barry’s whimsical artwork (www.barryvangerbig.com), while he also continues to design and license apparel and interior print fabrics. Their current staff includes Michelle LaRue and Jeanette Eveland. Barry comments: “The success of the store would not be possible without them.”
Check out their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/FairTradeOutfitters, and look for the coming launch of their website, www.fairtradeoutfitters.com, which will feature a carefully curated selection of clothes, gifts, and jewelry, in addition to some unique home gift items.
