Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit organization selling handcrafted and fair trade items from around the world. It wasn’t a shop I frequented, but my mom and mother-in-law always had it on their “to do” list when they came to visit my family. Unfortunately, after many years in their West Broadway location, Ten Thousand Villages announced that they will close at the end of April.
From the press release:
March 18, 2013 (New Hamburg) – For over six decades, Ten Thousand Villages has provided fair income to artisans and producers in countries around the world. As the largest and oldest non-profit Fair Trade organization in North America, this vision has changed the face of villages through economic improvement in areas as far-flung as India, Peru, Cambodia and Uganda.
In the wake of domestic retail challenges, Ten Thousand Villages Canada is reenergizing its vision and efforts to stabilize the organization. This commitment to future sustainability requires a significant reduction of high infrastructure costs and overall downsizing of national operations. As a result, Ten Thousand Villages will close 10 retail locations and reduce head office staff by about 20 positions in 2013.
34 Ten Thousand Villages retail stores will remain open, as will its recently re-launched online store. “The decision to make these retail and staffing changes was not an easy one – and certainly not one we make lightly – but it is a decision we need to make to ensure we are able to support our artisan communities for years to come,” says Ryan Jacobs, general manager of the organization. “We are fully committed to our mission of improving the lives of some of the world’s most disadvantaged people. That remains our primary objective.”
Following their closure, you can still purchase items online or at one of the other Vancouver/Lower Mainland locations noted here: http://www.tenthousandvillages.ca/shop/en/stores
Ten Thousand Villages, 2909 West Broadway, 604-730-6831, Tenthousandvillages.ca
Last modified: April 8, 2013
Heard yesterday that Toy Jungle is actually moving across the street into their space.
Yes, the Toy Box will move in at the beginning of May and will stay there until their new location (right next door) is finished being built (early 2014).
Sorry to see 10,000 Villages go, but happy that the Toy Box is staying!