Shopping Bainbridge Island – The Bengal Tree – A Fair Trade Boutique with Flair!

Margaret Millmore | Posted on October 4, 2020 |

Marissa Simcoe and her family have lived on Bainbridge Island since the early 1990s, she attended Bainbridge High School and her family have been active members in the business community for more than 30 years. She’s spent 20 years in the retail industry, and in 2017, she began working for Tango Zulu, which was located in the Winslow Green shopping center. It was there that she realized her true passion, the fair-trade market, and all that it has to offer not just our retail market here on Bainbridge, but all across the globe. The practices of the fair-trade industry struck a chord with Marissa; selling ethical and sustainable products produced by artisans from around the world at reasonable prices everyone could afford, inspired her to open her own boutique.

When the owner of Tango Zulu decided to downsize, and close the Bainbridge Island store (they still have a location in Port Gamble), Marissa, with the support of her family and partner, took over the space and The Bengal Tree was born on February 16, 2020. Although her opening was short lived due to COVID closures, she used the lockdown period to become even more acquainted with the artisans she worked with, learning about their lives and struggles in small villages with limited resources, she discovered a wonderful diverse universe that has opened her eyes to the larger world around her. The lockdown also gave her time to perfect and expand her website, showcasing more of what her boutique carries.

Her products are equally as diverse as the artists who create them, ranging from beautiful accessories, such as jewelry, scarves, hats, purses and “socks with a cause”, and of course, she offers a variety of face masks to suit every style. She also carries a wonderful selection of kitchen, home-décor and decorative baskets, as well as unique and fun seasonal items. In clothing, she carries an eclectic selection of wraps/throws, tunics, and dresses for women, as well as hoodies and t-shirts for both men and women, and of course, socks for everyone.

Much of Marissa’s inventory is art in itself, whether it be a colorful wearable item, or something for your home, like cutlery or a handwoven basket—everything is unusual and unique.

The majority of The Bengal Tree’s products are available at their on-line store as well as the Winslow Green location, and both shipping (to the continental U.S. only) and in-store pick-up is available. Click here to visit her website.