by Kendra Mills
Third World Trading Co, located in Oak Bluffs, is a beloved Vineyard shop that offers an extraordinary selection of clothing, jewelry, and home goods from around the world. The store itself is cozy and vibrant without seeming over-crowded and customers will certainly leave each time feeling as though they saw something new and utterly unique. Lori Katsounakis, owner of Third World Trading Co, spoke with This Week about her personal experience in retail and the evolution of her store.
What brought you to the Vineyard?
LK: I came here one summer with some friends from high school and my sister. We rented a house for the summer and I ended up staying. I just never left.
What inspired you to begin your business?
LK: I guess I used to shop at stores like this. I would always look, like, ‘Where is this made?’ and it would say made in Guatemala. All the things I seemed to be attracted to were made in other countries. My boyfriend was a fisherman and he went down to Chile to go swordfishing. On his way home he stopped in Ecuador, ended up in a marketplace and brought back all these beautiful sweaters and some gloves. We started having a Christmas sale in Vineyard Haven and that’s how it started. The next year I saw these empty storefronts in downtown Oak Bluffs and I was waitressing and painting on the side. One year I was here at this location and I ended up re-negotiating and staying for the summer.
If you could pick one item from your store, what would you pick as one item that a customer just can’t leave the store without?
LK: We have so many different things! Well, we have three bracelet tables—a bracelet buffet. We must have over 150 baskets of bracelets. But we sell tons of rings and scarves and sarongs. The whole family can come in and buy something. We also have kids stuff, mens clothing.
Do you have a process for purchasing your merchandise?
LK: Over the years I’ve gotten great contacts. I did the shows in New York City and a couple of the shows locally too. And people come to me. I’ve had people that come every year. They come to the island and bring me stuff to look at. Some of the smaller people, over the years, have gotten bigger.
What sort of clientele do you usually attract? What’s the demographic?
LK: It’s all different ages. It’s a lot of younger people but also a lot of women who love the flax line. We just love that. Its so durable. They are beautiful, really well done, nice colors. Just a nice style.
If you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind summer find, be sure to stop in at Third World Trading Co, and add some flair to your summer style!
MORE INFO:
52 Circuit Ave
PO Box 1033
Oak Bluffs Marthas Vineyard, MA 02557
Phone (508) 693-5550
thirdworldtrading.com
