A Local Legacy
The Local Frequency app launched in 2016 as a shop-local rewards program to keep money in the local economy, where it can have the most impact. Every little shift to local counts.
Kris Kurtz of Humboldt’s Legacy needs no convincing on that point. For the last 30 years, the Lilac Street store has been focused on changing the economy by encouraging people to shop ethically-sourced sustainable, fair trade goods that create hope for the future.
The Local Beat finds out more about the ahead-of-their time retailer known as “Winnipeg’s Good Conscience Store” in this Q & A:
Q: What was behind the origins of Humboldt’s Legacy?
A: Humboldt’s Legacy started 30 years ago as a way to influence change by voting with our dollars, to make purchases in our everyday lives that support things we believe in: eco-responsibility, fair trade, organic agriculture, and ethical manufacturing.
Q: What are some of your favourite products?
A: The list of favourite products is endless, as the by line on my business card says, Humboldt’s Legacy: “Stuff I like.” From our timeless, fashionable and effortless clothing made with low impact materials and fair labour, to luxurious-yet-affordable organic bedding, blankets and duvets, to all natural and beautiful cosmetics, to yummy treats and crazy good coffee (100% fair trade), to local organic dairy and eggs, and fish (particularly pickerel) from the cold waters of northern Manitoba, to exquisitely designed, Artisan made, fair trade handbags… it’s nearly an endless list of really nice things that bring joy to our everyday lives.
Q: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?
A: Retail is a grueling tap dance of timing and finesse… having what people want when they want it. Many times over the years, we have offered products too cutting edge for their time that sit on our shelves collecting dust, sometimes scorn, and thus, financial strain, only to become the product du jour 10 years later. Meanwhile, the stresses of being the pioneer are not erased.
On the other hand, the rewards are many. In our fast-paced techy times, the relationships we have with our clients, from first-timers to decades-long fans is extraordinary. There is trust, friendship and a real delight in the interactions accompanying these everyday purchases. With many we have grown up together, and with newcomers, we are a jewel of a discovery. We spend a lot of time in life getting our goods, it’s really great when that time spent is enriching rather than mundane.
Q: What’s on the horizon for you and the business?
A: It is so exciting to be around when fair trade and environmental responsibility are becoming mainstream. We just want to always improve and increase joy.
All Photos by Kristhine Guerrero
