'Excited to be open': Fair trade shopping returns to Peoria Heights with this new store

Peoria Heights is home to a fair-trade business once more. Just over two months after announcing plans to come to the area, Ten Thousand Villages opened its doors on Oct. 19.

Executive Director Emily King said the first day “exceeded our expectation.” While the recent gloomy weather has led to slower days, King said the shop has received a warm reception from everyone who has visited so far.

"We're really excited to be open..." she said. "It's the culmination of many months of work and anxiety, and it feels really good to open the door every day."

Also in Peoria Heights: The story of Soderstrom Castle

Where is Ten Thousand Villages located?

Ten Thousand Villages fills the space of Global Village at 1308 E. Seiberling Ave. The former not-for-profit business closed its doors at the end of June after having operated for just over two decades.

The new shop is a part of the nonprofit SelfHelp Village Crafts, Inc., which has operated a store in Champaign for nearly 40 years.

King said the board began to consider expanding to a second location in late 2022. Then, Global Village founder Nancy Long reached out about the Peoria Heights space earlier this year.

“We were all kind of in disbelief,” she said after announcing the business.

Previously: Fair trade business will take over longtime shop in Peoria Heights

What does Ten Thousand Villages sell?

At the shop, customers can find baskets from Bangladesh, bicycle pizza cutters from India and socks that support mental health. The shop also sells other fair trade items such as:

• Jewelry: Customers can find rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces at the shop.

• Cards: King said the shop's quilling cards – which are created with rolled paper designs – have been especially popular.

• Kitchen needs: The shop features dishware, aprons and more. Assistant manager Devyn Robinson said the bicycle shaped pizza cutters have been a popular item. King said customers have also been excited about the shop's chocolate.

• Decor: Right now, the shop offers a variety of ornaments, nativity scenes and other Christmas decorations.

Currently, King said the shop is continuing to add to the products that it offers.

“We usually add products every month and then it'll be a matter of kind of figuring out what people are most interested in and trying to grow those categories so that we can serve our customers the best way that we can,” King said.

Upcoming events and deals

The shop will hold its grand opening on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. King said she hopes to offer chocolate and coffee samples, as well as gifts to include with purchases.

The following week, Ten Thousand Villages will hold its Bag Sale on Nov. 10 and Nov. 11. King said whatever customers can fit into the bag will be 25% off.

“That's a really fun one for people who are maybe starting Christmas shopping and things like that,” she said.

On Dec. 2, King said the shop will also have a booth at the Kris Kringle Market in the Heights. She said the shop will also be open from noon until 4 p.m. on Sundays in December.

Ten Thousand Villages is also working to set up a rewards program. The shop has already created an email list – where customers can receive birthday discounts and information on deals.

Raise a glass: Mobile bar to open brick-and-mortar location in Peoria Heights

What does Fair Trade mean?

The Fair Trade Federation describes fair trade as “an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system.”

To work toward this goal, the FTF website lists 10 principles of fair trade. These include ensuring fair and prompt pay, children’s rights, safe working conditions and more.

"Everything is like handmade and fair trade," Assistant manager Devyn Robinson said. "We all make sure like our artisans have safe working conditions and everything like that. So it's a feel-good place to spend your money."

How to volunteer at the shop

As a nonprofit establishment, King said she is hoping to find between 20 and 25 volunteers. She said each volunteer is asked to work at least two three-hour shifts per month but can offer extra time.

Those interested in helping can find an application at the shop or email [email protected].

More: Fundraising effort underway for East Peoria man killed in fatal crash

Visiting Ten Thousand Villages in Peoria Heights

Address: 1308 E. Seiberling Ave., Peoria Heights

Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ten-Thousand-Villages-Peoria-Heights/61550028576365/

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Fair trade shop Ten Thousand Villages opens in Peoria Heights