Company fills cloth gift bags with local products

Owners hope to expand into nearby counties

PETER JENSEN

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Who: Gifts in the Bag.

What it makes: The company makes gift bags by taking cloth tote bags and filling them with a variety of local products, such as coffee, chocolate, salmon and cheeses. Although customers can pick from more than 20 items to fill the bags, the company also has thematic bags, said co-owner Joanna Heggem. To celebrate the arrival of spring and summer, for example, Heggem offers a gift basket filled with locally grown herbs.

Volume: Heggem said the company, which she started with business partner Shelley Johnson, sells about 50 gift bags per month, with spikes in sales around holidays. As a way to increase sales, Heggem moved the company from her home to the Cascade Business Park on Guide Meridian. The new location will allow Heggem to get a liquor license and put Boundary Bay beers and wines from local wineries in the gift bags. Prices range from $25 to $100; bags with beer or wine will increase the price range to $145. Most of the company’s sales are handled through the Internet or by phone.

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Marketplace: Heggem said the bags are most popular among mortgage companies and real estate agents, but she also participates in fundraisers.

Production process: Heggem wanted the gift bags, which feature a painting from Bellingham artist Dan Wood on the front, to be environmentally friendly. The company uses cloth tote bags, which recipients can reuse for grocery shopping.

Ownership: Heggem and Johnson started the company in June 2007 and are the only employees.

What’s noteworthy: Heggem said she’d like to expand the company into Skagit and Island counties because there are few companies that produce gift bags containing local products. However, Heggem has three kids and Johnson has two of her own, so the time the pair can spend on their business is limited.

Contact information:

Gifts in the Bag
5373 Guide Meridian, Suite F-8
Phone: 305-6746
www.giftsinthebag.com.