Otra Elpa

Second hand is no longer the domain of little old ladies with blue rinse hair and a questionable taste in hats - it's become big business as more and more people wake up to the feelgood and sometimes even philanthropic benefits of ethical trade. Otra Elpa is part of this wider movement, and alongside pre-owned stock it's the place to buy official Fairtrade produce such as coffees, teas and chocolate or to brush up on your yoga skills. The store's appeal to tourists, though, is largely that it's an inexpensive alternative to the souvenir stores - as stock is donated by locals so it's pretty much all authentic 'retro Riga'.