Ten Thousand Villages is a fair trade retailer that aims to provide buyers with well-made and unique goods, while creating more opportunities for artisans in developing countries around the world by providing them with a long-term partnership that enables them to increase their sales substantially.
So far, the retailer works with over 20,000 artisans from 26 countries, who are paid on a mutually agreed upon price for their work, with advance payments offered so that they can grow resilient businesses. Ten Thousand Villages has built long-lasting partnerships with 66 artisan groups so far, which has made it easier for them to plan ahead and have more stability. In addition, it's dedicated to providing safe workplaces, and aims to empower women and those who are often overlooked.
The goods available from the brand vary, however it's always stocked with colorful homeware, stunning jewelry, apparel, holiday ornaments, ceramics, cards for all occasions, and much more. The retailer emphasizes the use of recycled and natural materials to contribute to a sustainable vision, and collaborates with artisans by sharing trend details that appeal to its consumers.
Exploratory Fair Trade Retailers
Ten Thousand Villages Offers Unique Goods from Global Communities
Trend Themes
1. Fair Trade Retail - Opportunity for other retailers to adopt fair trade practices and build long-term partnerships with artisans from developing countries.
2. Sustainable Homeware - Potential for retailers to focus on stocking colorful homeware made from recycled and natural materials to meet the demand for sustainable products.
3. Empowering Women Artisans - Opportunity to support and collaborate with women artisans in developing countries, providing them with stable income and empowering opportunities.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Retailers in various sectors can adopt fair trade practices and collaborate with artisans to offer unique and sustainable goods to their customers.
2. Fashion - Fashion industry can explore partnerships with artisans to create stunning jewelry, apparel, and accessories made from recycled and natural materials.
3. Home Decor - Home decor industry can focus on offering colorful and sustainable homeware through collaborations with artisans in developing countries.