October 8, 2008 - Pittsburgh’s favorite fair trade boutique has a hip new home.

After two years operating in Lawrenceville’s Ice House Studios, Equita has moved into a high-profile storefront at 3609 Butler St. Being part of Lawrenceville’s central commercial district is critical to the boutique’s mission and ongoing growth.

“We want to have a main street presence to expand our role in the community and be a part of the growing vibrancy,” says Sara Parks, with Equita. “We see ourselves as an ethical general store, adding green consulting services and a broader range of products. All sorts of people want to shop green for different reasons.”

The 1,000 square feet shop, formerly La Vie Gallery, will soon sell furniture, introduce a line of designer clothing from Norway and formalize its wedding and gift registries.

A labor of love for young entrepreneurs Amanda Parks, Sara Parks and Michael Solano-Mullings—who returned to Pittsburgh after working around the world—Equita has emerged as the region’s premier fair trade boutique. Ethically sourced from independent eco-centric designers and Fair Trade cooperatives in 40 developing countries, as well as from Native American enterprises, women's initiatives and family farms, Equita’s inventory features hand-selected products for the body and home, as well as gourmet coffees chocolates and vegan-friendly goods.

Garnering national press from Travel+Leisure, Domino and CNN.com, Equita just received Pittsburgh Magazine’s 2008 “Best Of” fashion award. Parks, who says the Butler location is already attracting new customers, is excited that Asian restaurant Tamari, and a new Mexican restaurant, are slated to open nearby.

To celebrate Fair Trade Month, Equita will host a grand opening on Oct. 18.

Read more: http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/equita1008.aspx

Publication: Pop City Media

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