FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 27, 2011

Meg Galloway Pearce: 
Phone: 202-572-4045 
Email: meg.pearce@clintonbushhaitifund.org

Terry Lundgren, Martha Stewart, and Fashion Designer Rachel Roy Travel to Haiti to Explore New Products with the Artisans Rebuilding Haiti One Craftwork at a Time

On July 27, 2011, lifestyle entrepreneur Martha Stewart, fashion designer Rachel Roy, and Terry Lundgren, Chairman & CEO of Macy's, Inc., will travel to Haiti to meet with artisans in Haiti, which is still working to recover from the devastating January 2010 earthquake.

These giants from the US design and retail world are coming to Haiti to see the creativity driving the country’s reconstruction. Artisans in Haiti create jobs and generate income by linking Haiti’s handmade culture to export commerce. Artisan entrepreneurs from across Haiti will meet the US delegation in the small village of Croix-des-Bouquets where they will share their work. Lundgren, Stewart and Roy will offer the artisans advice and ideas on developing new products.

Macy's has been selling Haitian products for nearly a year through Fairwinds Trading, supported in part by the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, which aims is to promote jobs and economic opportunity. Macy’s purchases from Haiti already employ 450 artisans countrywide.

In May 2010, The William J. Clinton Foundation convened a meeting of leaders from more than 40 American businesses, Haitian artisan organizations, and local and international nonprofits and funders, where they committed to form long-term partnerships between Haitians and international retailers. BrandAid and Fairwinds Trading formed a plan for Macy's to commission Haitian handicrafts, which the retailer began selling in its stores and online during the 2010 holiday season. Orders for these products are still continuing.

“The Clinton Foundation is proud of the evolution of this partnership,” said Laura Graham, the chief operating officer of the Foundation. “It has made a real difference in the livelihoods of the artists and artisans whose work is sold in the United States, and it has brought new and exciting products to consumers here.” 

Terry Lundgren summarizes the relationship between Macy’s and Haiti: “Macy’s is so pleased to support Haiti by buying the country’s beautiful artisan wares. In working with the Haitian community, our vendor base becomes more diverse, and this new perspective inspires us to be inventive and flexible in incorporating newer, smaller, fascinating suppliers into our network. Our relationships in Haiti also show how retail can change the world; with a little planning and a little effort, we can open up opportunities for people largely excluded from global commerce. The resulting income has a profound impact for artisan families and a ripple effect in their communities.”

Mr. Lundgren is also the current board chair of the National Retail Federation.

Willa Shalit, CEO and founder of Fairwinds Trading, Macy’s partner in Haitian commerce, comments, “Haiti is a rare instance in world history of a country rebuilding itself economically through arts and crafts. A diverse group of the most sophisticated American designers have been attempting to work in Haiti, despite the incredible challenges, because of the powerful, unique artistic spirit and expression of the Haitian people. Every bit of design input makes a huge difference. The commitment of companies like Macy’s is revolutionary.”

Haiti is a profoundly creative place, with vibrant paintings, metal work, beaded voudou objects, and other art, everywhere. The large number of artist and artisan entrepreneurs in Haiti is acknowledged with the Creole saying, "Art feeds millions."

The group will also be meeting with women survivors of violence working to curb abuse in Haiti.

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