Handmade designs for the Home to launch at select Hudson's Bay stores and online
TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - The BRANDAID Haiti Project in partnership with the Government of Canada and Hudson's Bay is pleased to announce the launch of an exclusive new artisan collection in Canada.
This unique collaboration showcases a collection of beautiful handmade designs for the home created by Master Artisans of Haiti. With the collaboration of the Trade Facilitation Office of Canada, the BRANDAID Haiti Project Collection has been developed through the work of BRANDAID Project, a Canadian social enterprise that brings the power of marketing, design and technology to launch artisan microbrands and products for socially progressive consumers.
"Our government is proud to be part of this great initiative. It is a perfect example of the kind of private sector led partnerships that can help build sustainable economic opportunities and help break the cycle of poverty," said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie. "Our government is committed to working with the people of Haiti as they turn their immense talent and potential into long-term prosperity."
Featuring some of Haiti's most talented artisan/designers and representing five different Artisan communities, the Collection consists of over 50 new products including textiles, home décor, and artifacts, all of which are available at Hudson's Bay. All proceeds from the sale of the Collection are being contributed to further the work of BRANDAID Project in Haiti.
The collection will be available nationally online at thebay.com on October 24th as well as presented for sale in unique pop-up showrooms at select Hudson's Bay locations; October 24th in Montreal, in Ottawa on November 7th and in Toronto on November 21st. The Collection will be highlighted through a unique in-store pop-up experience and will be in each store for 10 days.
Cameron Brohman, Co-founder of BRANDAID Project comments, "This project expresses a relationship between our two nations, their cultures and peoples. It also exemplifies a historic shift in the global narrative between rich and poor nations - a shift away from aid into trade and fair trading relationships. I like to think of it as retail diplomacy, and Hudson's Bay is a leader in this capacity."
About BRANDAID
Over the last four years BRANDAID Project has developed a new breakthrough model of economic development that works with Artisan communities and microenterprises at the bottom of the pyramid to develop, market and launch new Artisan Brands and newly designed product collections into the global market. By creating exceptional product collections, and providing brand and marketing assets to enhance the value and reputation of these communities, BRANDAID aims to create sustained economic opportunity for small producers while delivering cultural and design authenticity, intellectual property protection and a new level of recognition. Previous exhibitions have been successfully launched at Macy's in New York City and Selfridges & Co. in London.
About HBC
Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), founded in 1670, is North America's longest continually operated company. In Canada, HBC operates Hudson's Bay, Canada's largest department store with 90 locations, unsurpassed in its fashion, beauty, home and accessory designers and brands, as well as thebay.com. HBC also operates Home Outfitters, Canada's largest home specialty superstore with 69 locations across the country. In the United States, HBC operates Lord & Taylor, a department store with 48 full-line store locations throughout the northeastern United States and in two major cities in the Midwest, and lordandtaylor.com. With approximately 29,000 Associates in Canada and the U.S., HBC banners provide stylish, quality merchandise at great value, with a dedicated focus on service excellence. Hudson's Bay Company trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "HBC".
Special Thanks
BRANDAID Haiti Project has been supported by an exceptional circle of leading Canadian businesses and creative industries. We would like to acknowledge the valuable input and contributions provided by:
Image with caption: "Home decor items from the BRANDAID Haiti Project Collection made by Master Artisans of Haiti. Available at Hudson's Bay. (CNW Group/BRANDAID Project Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131023_C6309_PHOTO_EN_32419.jpg
SOURCE: BRANDAID Project Inc.
For more information, high res images or to arrange an interview, please visit brandaidproject.com or contact:
Cameron Brohman
Brandaid Project Inc.
(905) 526-8540
[email protected]
Michelle Veilleux
PR Manager, Hudson's Bay
416-861-4306
[email protected]
Olga Radchenko
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
(416) 413-4697
[email protected]
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