by Mary Sherwin
On Circuit Ave in Oak Bluffs, Third World Trading Co. owner Lori Katsounakis took some time to talk with us about the business. The Western Mass native runs the eclectic store which consists of jewelry, clothing, home decor, children’s toys, and accessories. Beyond the bright colors and intricate fabric, this compact store front offers something for everyone in your life.
TW: How did you get your start in retail?
Lori: I always shopped at cool boutiques like this one growing up. My boyfriend, Tom, went down to Chile one winter and came back up through Ecuador, bringing all of these beautiful sweaters back so we decided to have a big Christmas sale the following year, roughly 35 years ago. We continued doing the Christmas sale for a few years until one year I was offered this building as a rental. My sister and my mom told me I couldn’t afford the rent but Tom said “what do you have to lose?” so we went for it.
TW: What is the story behind the name?
Lori: Tom came up with the name and I thought it kind of covered everything we sell. To me, third world refers to home-made, nothing mass produced or manufactured. We have so much to see. Every time you come in you can probably see something else.
TW: Are your customers mostly tourists, locals, or a mix of both?
Lori: A mix of both. I have my local repeat customers but a lot of visiting foot traffic.
TW: What is one thing customers can only find here in your store?
Lori: There are so many items but I would say the flyingmermaids and mobiles.
TW: Where do you see the store in 10 years?
Lori: Hopefully I’ll be retired but I do hope someone will take it over. It’s hard to say.
TW: How do you source the products in your store?
Lori: My boyfriend and I spent some time traveling, then Idid a lot of trade shows and people from the island come to me with things from their own travels.
TW: I noticed that you also sell toys and home decor, what is the thinking behind branching out from just clothing?
Lori: There is something for everyone in the store. Mom, dad, and the kids can all come in and buy something. The kids can look at toys while dad buys a shirt and mom can shop around.
MORE INFO
52 Circuit Ave
Oak Bluffs
(508) 693-5550
thirdworldtrading.com
