Downeast™ Announces New Partnership with Fairkind Home Goods
SALT LAKE CITY - Downeast Home™ is partnering with Utah-based Fairkind that provides one-of-a-kind, artisan-made home goods. Downeast™ will carry a select group of products in their Draper and St. George locations, as well as their website at downeasthome.com/collections/fairkind-x-Downeast.
“As a Certified B Corp™, Downeast™ has a strong tradition of supporting our local communities, and we’re elated to partner with another business committed to doing the same,” said Downeast™ CEO Rich Israelsen. “Fairkind products are beautiful and elevated, and they fit in perfectly with the Downeast™ brand. Plus, there’s a powerful story behind each piece that we know our customers will appreciate.”
Fairkind works with artisans in Uganda, Tunisia, Malawi and Peru to combine their traditional craft methods and locally sourced materials with contemporary product designs. Their products at Downeast™ range from Alpaca Throw Blankets to Olive Wood Serving Boards to Ankole Horn Utensil Holders. Each product is ethically sourced from start to finish, meaning the production of goods is safe for people, the environment and the local economy.
"We’re excited to partner with such a well-established brand like Downeast™ that shares our values and wants to make an impact,” said Linden Baker, founder of Fairkind. “This partnership takes our artisans’ products to physical storefronts for the first time and is a major step in sharing their skills and stories with the world."
Baker founded Fairkind in 2016 after her first summer working with artisans in Uganda. She was mesmerized with the details and care put into every product and wanted to bring these unique collections to the U.S. market. Over the years, Fairkind has provided work for more than 3,000 artisans, placing a priority on fair trade standards and paying them premium prices for their skills.
“At Fairkind, we have the opportunity to work with some pretty inspiring people,” Baker said. “In many communities, handicraft is an ancient tradition, and through our partnership with artisans, we’re helping them preserve their craft for future generations.”
For more information, or to shop Fairkind products at Downeast™, visit downeasthome.com/collections/fairkind-x-downeast.
About Downeast™
As a leader in the consumer furniture and fashion apparel industry, Downeast™ has become synonymous with providing quality clothing and furniture at affordable pricing. Now in its 30th year of business, Downeast™ was founded in 1991 by three brothers: Charlie, Bill, and Jonathan Freedman. The brothers began selling off-price clothing and furniture throughout the Wasatch Front in Utah.
Gradually, they evolved into designing an in-house clothing line, which includes layering basic tees and essentials, monthly fashion collections and accessories all under the Downeast™ label in 2004. The company then added its own furniture collection in 2016, which includes sofas, dining tables, accent chairs, occasional tables, bedroom sets, and home accessories. Downeast™ has grown into more than 30 retail locations in Utah, Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada and became a Certified B Corporation® in 2021.
About Fairkind
Fairkind is inspired by the craftsmanship, care and tradition that goes into handcrafted goods and believe everyone should be able to access ethically sourced handmade products from around the world. They partner with artisans to combine their traditional craft methods and locally sourced materials with contemporary designs. Together, they provide exclusive handmade goods that make a positive impact.
Fairkind’s mission is to support artisans and honor their craft. They do this by employing artisans at fair trade standards, meaning they're paid a fair wage and have a safe and healthy work environment. In working directly with local artisans, Fairkind is able to take their products further than they've been before. Fairkind was founded in 2016 by Linden Baker and is based out of Salt Lake City.
PR Contact:
Alicia Richmond
801-599-1794
alicia.richmond@maloufcompanies.com