First International Fair-Trade Store in NWI Has Its Grand Opening This Month!

Welcome-Mat-OpeningThe Welcome Mat, NWI’s newest retail store, invites the community to its Grand Opening on September 23, 2011. The Welcome Mat isn’t like any other retail store – it’s the first international fair-trade store in NWI and it’s a nonprofit initiative of The Valparaiso International Center (The VIC).

On Friday, September 23, The Welcome Mat will have extended hours from 9 AM – 9 PM.

Throughout the day customers will enjoy 10% off purchases and will receive a free recycled newspaper tote with each purchase (while supplies last).

Starting at 6 PM, The Welcome Mat will serve delicious tapas from the first and only Spanish restaurant in Indiana, Don Quijote. A $3 donation per plate is suggested. There will be outdoor seating on Valparaiso Street, which will be blocked off for the occasion, under a tent lit with colorful string lights.

At 7 PM dinner will conclude and everyone will be invited to turn their attention towards guest speaker Valparaiso University professor and Indian native, Shankar Raman, for The VIC’s September “4th Friday Series” event, Focus on India. Hot tea will be served $1 a bag, BYOM (bring your own mug). (Disposable cups will be available for those that do not bring their own mug).

The Welcome Mat had its soft opening on July 15, 2011 and has been wonderfully received by the community. Customers often note the beautiful variety, the astoundingly reasonable prices, and the fascinating rich stories that come with every product.

The Welcome Mat Grand Opening is open to the general public. Food and giveaways are first-come first-served.

Also, starting now till September 23, enter to win a handmade Thai stool when you 1) “Like” The Welcome Mat on Facebook (www.facebook.com/valpowelcomemat), 2) Follow The Welcome Mat on Twitter (www.twitter.com/valpowelcomemat), and/or 3) Join The Welcome Mat mailing list (Facebook page tab, “Like Us!”). Each counts as one ticket for the drawing, so do all three to maximize your chances! The winner will be announced through e-mail and social media the day after the Grand Opening.