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mexigrl

Jan 28, 2009, 9:59 PM

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Shopping in PV, Cabo, Mazatlan?

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Hi,

Unfortunately I've been away from Mexico for two years now. The best I can do is take a cruise down the Mex Riviera for a week. I'm in the process of opening a store here at home called Fiesta that will specialize in Mexican Pop Art and Handiwork. I know that the port stops are going to be tourist traps and I only have limited time while there. My goal is to find some Huichol art that I can bring back, mostly yarn, smaller items I can carry.

If anyone has knowledge of local stores in those spots I would very much appreciate the heads up. If you know a local vendor, someone that is fair and could use the business that would be wonderful.

Thank you!

Laurianne

Camille

Jan 29, 2009, 9:53 PM

Post #2 of 9 (5660 views)

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Re: [mexigrl] Shopping in PV, Cabo, Mazatlan?

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If by chance you will have a Thursday in PV, you can take a bus north to the great market in La Pinita where there are many Huichol vendors. There are Oaxacan rugs, baskets from Colima, and other crafts and artwork from many parts of Mexico.
I have never done the bus trip because I live here, but I can't think it would be more than an hour and a half from the PV marina. Or perhaps you are traveling with friends and would hire a taxi-van for the day. Anyway, THAT'S where you want to shop!

mexigrl

Jan 29, 2009, 9:57 PM

Post #3 of 9 (5658 views)

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Re: [Camille] Shopping in PV, Cabo, Mazatlan?

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Thanks Camille - I appreciate you taking the time to respond. If I could only shop in PV itself do you have any places that you recommend - ones that would at least be fair in price. My first choice is to work directly with the artists/vendors so I know the money goes to them however as a second choice it would be good to have some stores that I could check out in a pinch. Any thoughts?

Camille

Jan 29, 2009, 10:24 PM

Post #4 of 9 (5656 views)

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Re: [mexigrl] Shopping in PV, Cabo, Mazatlan?

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There are stores in PV that sell Huichol art.... Peyote People at Juarez 222 in Centro, and Galeria Piramide on Basilio Badillo, sorry don't have that address. And another one on the Malecon....I hate to think about their markup.....
Google huicholcenter.com for more info. I am going to La Pinita next week and will see if I can get any direct contact information for you. There is a superb yarn artist who's usually there, and I think he has email.

mexigrl

Jan 29, 2009, 10:41 PM

Post #5 of 9 (5653 views)

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Re: [Camille] Shopping in PV, Cabo, Mazatlan?

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Camille - That would be wonderful. I would love to have a local artist that I could get work from. I've looked here in the US but the markup is too high for me to sell it in my area. I always prefer to work with the artist, I want them to get the money for their work and I know the stores often take advantage of them. While there if you wouldn't mind getting an idea of prices for various things (yarn art, beaded art) so I can gauge what I should be spending that would be great. If there is anything you need from the states let me know and I can bring it with me for you. I lived in San Miguel de Allende for some time so I know that there can be certain things you want from back home. Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated! Starting up this little store is a labor of love - I'm in Bay St Louis MS which was completely taken out by Katrina. We are finally getting the artsy downtown area rebuilt to some degree and I'm looking forward to opening my little space and introducing people to the Mexican artists. I already have a travel agency business, that will be my main income producer but I so love the art of Mexico and the pop art as well that I want to share it with others.

Thanks again!

Carron

Feb 2, 2009, 2:57 PM

Post #6 of 9 (5587 views)

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Re: [mexigrl] Shopping in PV, Cabo, Mazatlan?

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I am a New Orleans girl myself, and I have spent many a happy weekend on the Gulf Coast. Hope your shop makes a go of it.

Anyway, I have no way to verify this, but the Mexican government has arts and crafts co-ops in every major city all over the country and I understand they get good prices for their clients' work and this is passed along very equitably to the artists. I have also heard that most of an individual's really good pieces go to these outlets rather than stay at home to be sold from their individual workshops. I also suspect you might encounter a "gringa tax" since the places you are looking to buy from are in towns heavily dependent on tourism. You might get better prices in other, more out of the way places. Besides, you will have a wonderful time doing more homework on this as you look for just the right suppliers at prices that will make you both a comfortable profit!!

mexigrl

Feb 3, 2009, 9:40 PM

Post #7 of 9 (5540 views)

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Re: [Carron] Shopping in PV, Cabo, Mazatlan?

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Hi fellow Gulf Coast gal - nice to meet you. Thanks for the advice - I do believe that I have heard the same thing about the government arts & crafts co-ops. I'm not sure how to locate them but I'll do some digging.

I am planning to spend a month or so in SMA in September, figured I can close down my shop during September and escape the inevitable hurricane evacuations and love bugs (you'll understand about those!). By then I'll know if it's worth bringing back goods or not. In the meantime I'll try to make some connections in PV and pick up a few things while there to tide me over.

Thanks for the good wishes - it has been really difficult in Bay St Louis but I'm hoping that I can be at least enough of a success to pay the bills!

Take Care

Carron

Feb 4, 2009, 6:50 AM

Post #8 of 9 (5527 views)

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Re: [mexigrl] Shopping in PV, Cabo, Mazatlan?

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The government-run co-op stores are called "Casas de Las Artesanias" (not sure I spelled that right) and they are usually where the busiest tourist areas are. The quality of the goods at any of them should be exceptional and varied.

esperanza

Feb 4, 2009, 8:21 AM

Post #9 of 9 (5519 views)

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Re: [Carron] Shopping in PV, Cabo, Mazatlan?

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The artesanías stores run by the Federal government are called FONART. The website is http://www.fonart.gob.mx/index.htm. On the website, you'll be able to find locations of the stores.

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