District Trading Company

District Trading Company is an apparel and lifestyle company featuring an original line of graphic t-shirts, custom belts, bags, stationery and so much more; all inspired by the City of Salem, MA and New England’s unique style of coastal living.

District Trading Company’s mission is to celebrate the unique, creative qualities found in and around amazing communities like Salem. Why? Because we believe in the power of place and the ability of a place, its culture and character to  shape not only who we are, but how we see, interact with, and celebrate the world around us.

For us, that starts with Salem, a community known primarily for the infamous Witch Trials, but which has a history far more varied and rich than most know. And the city and its people have responded to its past to become one of the most creative, open-minded, equality-focused and cosmopolitan small cities around.

5% for Place Initiative 

Because we believe in the power of place, we will donate 5% of all sales* to local creatives and/or organizations involved in public art, placemaking and arts education. Art is increasingly underappreciated and underfunded, despite numerous studies that highlight its importance not only in our cognitive development, but also (for those interested more in how their tax dollars are allocated) in our overall economy. Without funding, or educating youth on its importance, we all lose.

(Believe it or not, the arts sector contributes more to the U.S. economy than agriculture or our other favorite underfunded cause – transportation. So we asked ourselves, why not do something about it – one small contribution at a time?)

In the end, we hope these efforts will help address these issues (in a small but meaningful way) through the support of organizations dedicated to putting public art and place front and center.