As one of the oldest and largest nonprofit fair trade retailers, Ten Thousand Villages strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 37 countries by establishing a sustainable market for handmade products in North America. 

As a nonprofit, we achieve this mission by building long term buying relationships in places where skilled artisan partners lack opportunities for stable income.  Product sales help pay for food, education, healthcare and housing for artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. 

Our commitment to support artisans around the globe is strengthened through fair trade compensation practices including cash advances and prompt payments.  More than 60 years later, and as the company continues to grow, Ten Thousand Villages has become increasingly conscious of the need to marry the concept of fair trade with healthy and environmentally sustainable business practices.

Named One of the World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute and Forbes, Ten Thousand Villages continues to carry out a conscious approach toward minimizing an environmental impact.  From store operations to product selection to marketing practices, Ten Thousand Villages strives to meet the “triple bottom line” of economic, environmental and social sustainability.