OxfordPress.com

"Think global, shop local" is the philosophy of The Green Door, a new eco-friendly shop gracing Uptown Oxford.

Offering handmade jewelry, pottery, hats, bags and soaps, owner John Malan says his store is now "full and presentable" to customers just in time for the holiday season.

Malan owned similar stores in Florida, Cincinnati and Indianapolis for a combined 22 years. Previously, his wife, Susan, lived in Oxford for 18 years where she graduated and later taught at Miami. When she decided that she wanted to return to Miami to teach again, the couple moved back to Oxford a year and a half ago.

That's when Malan began selling his handcrafted jewelry at the Farmer's Market, quickly developing a customer base. After waiting for an appropriate business space to become available Uptown, Malan signed a three-year lease and opened his store Sept. 1 at 33 W. High St.

So far, he says his business has been steady, especially considering September and October are typically slow months for any store.

"With the economy the way it is for everyone, people are holding on to their money so given that, I think we've done really well. I'm very happy with it (business)."

There is also an equal balance of student and adult customers, which Malan partially attributes to the wide-ranging cost of his products.

Jewelry prices range from $4 to $100 while the majority falls in the $15 to $30 price bracket.

The most popular product has been Malan's braided bracelets made from cotton and linen. Priced at $4 apiece, Malan estimates he has sold nearly 400 in the last month.

Malan personally crafts necklaces as pendants on a cord with an adjustable neckline. He uses exotic shells, woods, stones, pearls and has begun making copper pieces too.

One item proven to have widespread appeal to both men and women are his guitar pick necklaces made out of sterling silver.

Malan is particularly proud that The Green Door specializes in Fair Trade products.

"Its important that the people making these items can make a living do it," he said. "They are not exploited."

These items include bags from Kenya and handmade pottery from Nicaragua, ranging from $50 to $100 in price.

"Santos," meaning saints in Spanish, are another popular product. They are true folk art hand painted in Guatemala. St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, is the best seller of all the Santos.

The store also sells t-shirts and reversible hats made in Oxford and woven from Fair Trade textiles.

But buyer beware. When visiting The Green Door, you may be welcomed by an unexpected greeter: Malan's friendly dog Annie.

"She gets bored staying at home," Malan said. "And people like her. Sometimes more than they like me."