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Trade Roots

Partner Spotlight

Lisa Offstroff, Owner

Photo: Lisa OffstroffLast October, Lisa Ostroff leveraged a background in international relations and non-profit management along with an interest in social entrepreneurship to create her new shop, Trade Roots. A long-time fan of fair trade shops, Ostroff leaped into action last fall after seeing a "For Lease" sign on the building previously occupied by Arax Cafe. Two weeks later, she was in business, helping to promote culturally diverse, eco-friendly and hand-made products.

Ostroff carries unique and exceptional products, including jewelry, accessories, and home wares, which come from all over the world. However, what sets Trade Roots apart from similar stores is the designation "fair trade." This indicates that a product was crafted by artisans who are paid premium rates (versus minimum rates) for their creativity and labor, ensuring them a comfortable lifestyle and the ability to reinvest in their own communities. "It's a win-win," Ostroff says. "Not only for the artisans, but for Arlington as well, because there wasn't anything like this here in our community before we opened."

While customers often come to browse, many arrive with a purpose. "This really is a one-stop shop for items from every country that I've traveled to and love," says Dawn Scalia, a regular patron. "I came in the first time because I needed to replace my favorite salad tongs from Ghana. I keep coming back because it reminds me of where I've been and the people I knew there." Hearing this, Ostroff beams. "That," she confirms, "is why I went into business."

Photo: Trade Roots interiorWestover is a highly walkable neighborhood with extended transportation options coming July 1. Foot traffic is important to Ostroff who says that, "Most people who come to the store are out walking around anyway." Ostroff is looking forward to Capital Bikeshare expansion to her neighborhood as well as new bus routes that would bring her customers to her front door. Personally, Ostroff enjoys getting to work on foot whenever possible, usually bringing along her dog, Riley, who doubles as the store mascot.

Trade Roots
5852 N. Washington Blvd., Suite 2
571.335.4274
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Bikes counted

View Counter Data
110 Trail
486
14th Street Bridge
1374
Arlington Mill Trail
260
Ballston Connector
0
Bluemont Connector
337
CC Connector
374
Clarendon EB bike lane
259
Custis Bon Air Park
576
Custis Rosslyn
703
Eads NB
80
Eads SB
110
Fairfax EB bike lane
119
Fairfax WB
130
Joyce St NB
52
Joyce St SB
0
Key Bridge East
907
Key Bridge West
584
Military NB bike lane
12
Military SB bike lane
10
MVT Airport South
1184
Quincy NB bike lane
94
Quincy SB bike lane
74
Roosevelt Bridge
248
Rosslyn Bikeometer
724
TR Island Bridge
627
WOD Bon Air Park
0
WOD Bon Air West
788
WOD Columbia Pike
760
Wilson WB bike lane
199

Peds counted

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110 Trail
468
14th Street Bridge
251
Arlington Mill Trail
346
Ballston Connector
0
Bluemont Connector
1454
CC Connector
0
Custis Bon Air Park
552
Custis Rosslyn
473
Eads NB
0
Eads SB
0
Fairfax WB
0
Joyce St NB
58
Joyce St SB
0
Key Bridge East
1769
Key Bridge West
4982
MVT Airport South
26
Roosevelt Bridge
136
TR Island Bridge
836
WOD Bon Air Park
0
WOD Bon Air West
712
WOD Columbia Pike
709

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Year to Date
5306655