December Update

We have established a policy for artists for store credit and trades.
We traded a card for some cheese from a farm.
We don't accept credit cards. Doing so would reduce the amount the store receives for the sales. As a new business, even a few cents on the dollar can count.
We haven't lost a sale yet.

These are just a few steps Good Merchandise is taking to reclaim the retail industry, support a cash-free economy and remove ourselves from the corporate credit card industry. Find ways to break away from the cycle of debt and still support each other. Much love this holiday season, we look forward to 2010!

-AnnaLisa

Design Council study on the Nike "Considered" line

-Check out this story on Nike! Their strike on the environment to provide low labor and high profits is terrible, but perhaps we can take from Nike their business insights into the manufacturing world. This is proof we can take large steps to make a difference in waste, consumerism, the economy and unemployment.  

-AnnaLisa

http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/Case-Studies/All-Case-Studies/Nike-Considered/

Alterations and new creations at Good Merchandise

I am officially sewing up a storm! Appliques, new designs and alterations galore. I've worked on oil cloth, elf collars and some wicked faux suede alterations for a friend's vest and dress (see below). I used the excess to make a super simple and flattering scarf. Next up, warm weather wear and holiday stockings!

-AnnaLisa

Upcoming events in December and extended hours

Here's a list of upcoming events at Good Merchandise and on the island. Come on by and celebrate our first holiday season! We will also be open everyday of the week through December 24th and will begin offering our Personal Shopper program. Call for more details!

Thanks! AnnaLisa and the crew at Good Merchandise

3rd: first weekly Thursday night craft in! bring your craft from 7 to 9pm

4th: Downtown Vashon Holiday Open House

5th: Saturday Vashon Island Farmer's Market, holiday craft show

5th and 6th: Island Art Studio Tour

10th: second Thursday night craft in, from 7 to 9pm

12th: Saturday Vashon Island Farmer's Market

12th and 13th: Island Art Studio Tour

17th: third and last Thursday night craft in of 2009! from 7 to 9 pm

24th: Christmas Eve!

25th: Christmas Day

A modern mercantile on Vashon Island

New, independent and local. Good Merchandise is the place to go on Vashon Island for handcrafted, unique and amazing gifts and practical items! We host a little bit of everything, and we're always looking for more.

It's never too early to start shopping for the holidays, and in our opinion, it's never too late. We will be open throughout the holiday season with extended hours during December. Put your wish list together, give it to your loved one and tell them to give us a call! We are specializing in holiday shopping for those who are too busy and are interested in supporting the LOCAL ARTISAN!

November 2009 Artists

The store is open and things are running great! The sewing machine's a hummin, new customers are stopping in every day and we're gearing up for the holiday season. For the month of November, here's a list of who's in the store.

Carole Sussman of Wooly Parrot

Nick Elledge, glassblower

Zena McCoy of Semilla Designs

Heather Hansen Brynn of Solstice Stones

Wendy Van de Sompele, poi maker

Karen Carston of Vashon Supply Co.

AnnaLisa LaFayette, owner and crafter

Eric Hoogan, AKA Epic ONE

John Anderson, photographer

Jeff Brownell, fine artist and woodworker

Adrian Kuhn of Madrona Island Clothing Co.

Marjan McDermott, painter and upcycler

Larissa DeRuyter, artist

Matthew Himmelspach, artist

Fonna Dubois of Designed by Fonna

Eva Anderson of Elan by Eva

Kellie Becker, fine artist

Isaiah Heyer, glassblower

Colin Brynn, photographer

Maggie Smith of Maggiesville

COMING SOON!

Gabriel Blake, Zen Girl Clothing, Otra Vez Designs, Arielle Caputo, Slide Sideways, Jenna Waldman, Shirah Coleman, London Kreautler and more!

Store update!!

I'll be opening soon. We're all very excited and working daily to create the store front and gallery space!

Artisans, creators, crafters and producers are encouraged to contact me for more information regarding the shop and are encouraged to stop by and see what's happening!

I will be hosting a grand opening October 29th. More details to come...

Read about the store's grand opening at:

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/business/66507157.html

Progressively yours,

AnnaLisa

Opening Press Release

Good Merchandise

Store Opening October, 2009

Vashon, WA: AnnaLisa LaFayette, resident of Vashon Island, is proud to announce the opening of her first retail store, Good Merchandise, in the center of downtown Vashon. The store entrance is located behind Duet at 17630 Vashon Highway SW, next to Movie Magic. The store will host a grand opening Thursday, October 29th, 2009 featuring several island artists. Good Merchandise will carry Vashon-crafted art, sundries and crafts and will also include items from within 50 miles of the island.

The store has a unique approach to traditional retail. All of the items to be sold at Good Merchandise will be produced locally. Ms. LaFayette has concern regarding the importing of items into the US, including items shipped into Washington State from other parts of the country. Since her arrival on the island in 2007, she has focused on ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the island. "This store meets an expectation I have always wished for in a retail location but have never been able to find. Now people can shop for practical items and gifts and know they are supporting local commerce, 100 percent. It doesn't make sense anymore to buy everything from China, or California for that matter."

LaFayette, who will also produce several items for the shop, will utilize the unique space for creating items in her spare time and assisting patrons with advice in a variety of subjects including sewing, projects and sustainable living ideas. A small reading library, hot tea and an open sewing machine will all be available during store hours by appointment. Along with selling local wares, Good Merchandise will begin hosting small classes and discussion groups, a weekly book club and movie night.

For more information, please contact AnnaLisa LaFayette at 206-769-8627, vashongoodmerchandise@gmail.com or by mail at PO Box 1335, Vashon, WA 98070.