by Lorie Lewis Ham
Enjoy a fun video tour of Urban Roots at the end of this article!
Reedley has begun to see a lot of unique businesses moving in and bringing new life to their downtown. One of those businesses, Urban Roots, brings something very different to the City–a store based on upcycling–something very relative to the world’s growing desire to be more green and an economy where we are trying to make better use of the things we already have.
Dolores Santos, owner of Urban Roots, grew up in Reedley but left for several years and during that time lived in both northern and southern California. When she got the opportunity to open the store she was excited to do so in Reedley. Dolores chose the name Urban Roots, which she stated means city history, because she was returning back to her hometown, to her roots. “I decided on opening the store in Reedley greatly because I’ve learned a lot from the places I’ve lived and I wanted to share that culture with others here that I thought would appreciate it.”
Dolores Santos in front of the Urban Roots counter
Urban Roots offers upcycled products including furniture, accessories and unique gifts. “Everything we carry is a reused item that has been repurposed by very creative individuals,” continued Delores. “We do also offer new items mostly focusing on organic material. Upcycling is taking an item that is no longer needed or wanted and giving it new life as something that is either useful or creative.”
Inside Urban Roots
Dolores feels times have changed drastically from 10 years ago when people tended to get what they needed out of a product and then just threw it away. “When the economy changed many of us had to readjust our lives and households–reusing items that we have at home already and repurposing them just makes sense. The owners of the companies in which I sell their products also have the same idea so I’ve incorporated them into my business. I’ve met every single one of the owners and we work together in making sure that customers get exactly what they are looking for.”
Inside Urban Roots
“Urban Roots is a great addition to Downtown Reedley,” said Barbie Shakespeare of the Reedley Downtown Association. “Their creative upcycled furniture and unique artisan gifts are sure to be a great surprise to all who enter their doors.”
Soaps and other items for sale at Urban Roots
However, Urban Roots strives to be much more than just a store, offering local creative people a place to come and express themselves by selling their products and by allowing local artists to show their work, and musicians to perform (they sometimes have live music). Their future goals are to eventually expand and offer more to the community with arts and crafts tutorial’s and clothing consignment.
Located at 1011 G Street in downtown Reedley, Urban Roots opened their doors on June 21, 2013. Currently, their hours are Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday- Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. You can find them on Facebook, where you will find announcements of live music events and anything new coming to the store.
Boy do I applaud this store!!!