Happy Badger
Business: Short Feature
Co-Owners Alan and Donna Cohen have operated The Happy Badger at 311 N. Main since opening it's doors in December of 2006. Fair trade and low prices are among the many values important to the unique store. The name "Happy Badger" was given to Alan during an Indian sweat lodge ceremony held in Washington, D.C. Donna believes the name "makes for good energy for the store."
A portion of the Happy Badger customer base commutes from Toledo, where
the Cohen's originally operated the store for six years, and where it
was awarded the "Most Creative Threads Award" in a Reader's Poll in the
Toledo City Paper. Another aspect of the store that made Toledo
customers sad to see it leave was it's regular showcasing of local
music. The Happy Badger now tries to be a supporter of local artists in Bowling Green and the surrounding areas. The BG store is not large enough for indoor concerts, but the Cohen's have provided outdoor events, including for the Black Swamp Arts Festival.
Along with offering a friendly environment, The Happy Badger hopes to serve a number of niche interests. The store offers a selection of natural foods, clothing, soaps, folk art, and various crafts coming from countries such as Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Bali, India, and the United States. Customers often come into the store looking for a unique or special item for a gift. Because of the often-changing offerings at The Happy Badger, the owners refer to it as the "general store of the future."
Most products the Cohen's sell come from cottage industries, which are usually small, home-based companies. These small businesses are scattered locally and globally and create a close knit system that works together to help people spend their money in ways that support workers in developing areas.
The goal of The Happy Badger is for people to leave feeling happier than when they came in. The personal touch of The Happy Badger helps create a natural, healthy, and friendly environment in the community.