The story of Lulu's Local began as a conversation with Wayne Howard of VIllage Food Market on Gabriola Island, around the possibility of Lulu Performing Arts having a space in Village Foods to sell artisan products, and using a percentage of the proceeds of the sales to help fund more community art projects.
Wayne took this idea a step further, proposing that Lulu could create a distribution network that focuses on locally produced artisan products, delivered to local merchants. Over the course of the past two years, we have undertaken formal research, as well as numerous conversations with producers and merchants. We are encouraged by the responses and have decided it's time to launch the pilot phase of Lulu's Local Distributors. We invite regional merchants to participate and help it grow!
How will Lulu's Local help serve our customers better? (scroll down to see more)
As the 'buy local' movement continues to grow, customers are increasingly looking for local choices. Lulu's Local offers high quality local products in a high profile package that includes:
• merchandizing that is designated 'Lulu's Local' and includes promotional material, information about the artisan producers and their products, and is supported by a website.
• in store 'demos' that create an opportunity for customers to meet the producers face to face and have a direct, personal interaction.
• assistance and information to the producers about proper labeling, including preparation for obtaining UPC codes.
What kinds of products do you distribute?
Lulu specializes in high quality, sensually appealing, and socially and environmentally conscious regional products, including:.
• Non-perishable and durable-perishable foods
• Personal, and household products
If there is another product you think would fit our mandate, please let us know!
What kind of promotional deals do you offer?
Currently we are not offering any promotional deals. Because we work with small companies we are intentionally staying away from volume deals because we believe our products are better fresh and delivered in small batches. We will happily forward any promotions given to us by any of the artisan producers we work with.
What makes your company different from other distributors?
Lulu's Local is a local distributorship that serves small, artisan producers, within a "100-mile" region. We deal in smaller volumes with a commitment to helping to create higher visibility for locally produced artisan products.
What's in it for us?
•Emphasis on ethical consumer practices (the local movement is growing!).
•Artful custom designed display for products.
•Help with promotion and merchandizing.
•Presence on the Lulu's Local website.
Who do I talk to?
Please phone Yarrow Koontz at 250-325-0253, or email yarrow@luluslocal.ca.
Do you have ideas or suggestions for us? Please email info@luluslocal.ca. Thank you!