5 Oceans Fair Trade founder Christine Schwartz came to Rambillo on the eve of a major business launch. She needed a logo and branding concept in time to open her new store on Black Friday, just three weeks away.
Our collaboration with Christine was quick and effective. In an initial conversation, we learned the inspiration that drives 5 Oceans and homed in on some general design themes. We made a list of essential branding items that were needed most—a logo and color scheme, followed immediately by outside signage to give the store visibility. We worked in tandem with her interior designer to tie in her branding with the overall aesthetic of the store. The resulting logo is an ocean blue like the walls of her store, and its mirrored “5” design has a masklike look, suggesting a cultural grounding that could come from anywhere.
After getting her brick-and-mortar store off the ground, Christine was ready for an online store; we gave her an easy-to-use ecommerce site, and supporting print advertising to announce her online presence. First, however, she needed a new point of sale system to streamline her sales. We implemented a new POS, helped her re-SKU her existing product and guided her through the new system. Now her product assortment for her physical and Internet sales draw from the same base inventory. Christine is actively involved in many local fundraising events, and loves how she can take her iPad along, register sales, and keep her inventory in sync across multiple platforms.
5 Oceans Fair Trade’s offering of beautifully made, planet-friendly crafts, coffees, and edibles all come with inspiring stories about their makers, as well the lives and communities their sales help to bolster. Visit 5 Oceans in Fairfield, Connecticut and see what the world has to offer.
