Ten Thousand Villages Coming To 50th and France

The nonprofit fair-trade retailer Ten Thousand Villages will open a store in the 50th and France neighborhood by the holiday season, according to Rachel Thelemann, the 50th and France Association's executive director.

The 3825 W. 50th Street location will be the tenth in the state for the country's oldest and largest fair-trade retailer. Ten Thousand Villages offers hand crafted jewelry, home décor, personal accessories, tableware, stationery, art and gift items from artisans in developing countries.

The nonprofit retailer has fair-trade relationships with artisans in 38 countries that help provide them with a sustainable income. Product sales help pay for necessities like food, education, healthcare and housing for women and men who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed.

The company was founded in 1946 and began a global movement through the work of Edna Ruth Byler. Bell said Byler was struck by the overwhelming poverty she witnessed during a trip to Puerto Rico in 1946, where she was moved to take action.

Ten Thousand Villages is part of a retail network of more than 75 stores throughout the United States, and purchases from more than 130 artisan groups. 

With reporting by Dan Telvock.