Haiti is still dealing with the devastation they suffered from the Earthquake in January 2010. The country has a new president and is seeking ways to rebuild, not only the infrastructure, but the economy as well. The CEO of Macy’s Terry Lundgren recently visited the country to meet with artisans as way to increase product exports in the form of artisan crafts.
The aim of the day trip was to explore business opportunities, promote foreign investment and even renew purchase orders for the metal and papier-mache handicrafts for which the Caribbean nation has long been known.
Stewart and fashion designer Rachel Roy came to Haiti at the invitation of Macy’s Chairman and CEO Terry Lundgren to meet with Haitian artisans and see the crafts they have been making and selling in 25 of his stores in the United States since October.
“I wanted them to see, like I’m seeing firsthand, the beautiful products that are being made here,” Lundgren said as workers clanked away on metal sculptures in the courtyard of a studio on the northeastern edge of Port-au-Prince.
On Wednesday, Macy’s placed a new order for 2,500 items. Stewart, who visited Haiti in the 1970s and ’80s, and Roy bought beaded and sequined bags, cushion covers, bracelets, earrings and quilts.
The genesis of the artisan project goes back to May of last year when the Clinton Foundation gathered investors, aid workers and artisans in New York to figure out ways to connect Haiti with international retailers.
Macy’s, Fairwinds Trading and the BrandAid Foundation developed a plan for Macy’s to commission Haitian handicrafts, which the retailer began selling in its stores and online in time for last year’s Christmas season.
On macys.com, prices for the Haitian items range from a vase that costs $54 to a large bowl that sells for $120. Paintings of Haiti’s marketplaces are also on sale at $109.
“We sold out and sold well,” Lundgren told journalists as he paused among tables topped with salad bowls, jewelry, patchwork quilts and chairs made of recycled metal.
I think this is a great initiative! To contibute check out Macy.com to and check out some the items like this Vase or Wooden Serving Spoons you can purchase. The more orders, the more they will continue to buy.
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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Great article! I love this program through Macy’s.