Why? In his own words, Thom Benedict tells the truth about Earth Goods.
Salt Lake City, UT—September 4, 2007. Good news for our good Earth – and for us: Earth Goods General Store, an eco-friendly neighborhood department store, is opening in the heart of Salt Lake City. The grand opening is planned for mid-October. The location is 1249 South 900 East. The best of the good news? The store will offer more than 2,000 square feet of items chosen for customers who are turning their consumer choices into responsible actions.
Thom Benedict, store owner, observed trends in Northern California that inspired him to open a green store here—a store with popular and useful environmental solutions. First, he witnessed the dangers of human exploitation of natural resources without regard to sustainability or environmental protection. Second, he watched the creation of the Sustainable Living Center at Real Goods, one of the nation’s first green stores.
“When I walked into that space in the little hamlet of Hopland, California,” Thom says, “my thought was, ‘Every city and town needs a store like this!’” With business booming along the Wasatch front and citizens becoming increasingly concerned about the quality of the environment, the timing is perfect for having such a store in Salt Lake City.
Adding green products to their personal space is something customers do gradually as their awareness increases. Earth Goods General Store is designed to help all customers feel at ease, from those taking steps to counteract global warming, to those just beginning to use healthier products in their homes.
“Thom Benedict is creating a neighborhood store, a store where you can feel the textures, see the colors, browse the books, or chat with the shopkeeper about the latest innovations in sustainable living,” says Kirsten of A Priori Creative, graphic artist for the project.
Thom chooses merchandise that embraces the values of environmentally conscious consumers. The store offers a complete selection of everyday goods from clothing and baby products, office and pet supplies, to eco-gifts and home furnishings. Because the store is locally owned, Thom Benedict and his staff understand what it means to align themselves with the values of their customers, their investors, and their business associates who share the common goal of making the world a better place—starting here.
In anticipation of the store’s opening, Joan Cowles wrote, “I’m so excited about Earth Goods opening in SLC! It appears it’ll be a store with a local base that will be an outlet for environmentally sound products, providing an alternative to the "Big Box" stores; providing education about sustainability; and providing a local presence.”
“If you care enough to choose products that are better for you, your family, your pets, and the environment,” says Thom, “Earth Goods General Store is the store for you.”
You can join in the celebration of welcoming Earth Goods General Store to our community during the grand opening in October. Watch for the announcement on-line at www.earthgoodsgeneralstore.com.