Ten Thousand Villages State College Store to Close

A nonprofit organization’s State College store for ethically sourced products from artisans in developing countries is set to close after nearly six years in business.

Ten Thousand Villages State College’s retail shop at 1341 S. Atherton St. is expected to close mid-summer, according to a post on its Facebook page.

“Even with generous financial and volunteer support, sales at our store have not been sufficient to cover expenses and sustain operations,” the post stated. “We expect to be open through mid-summer and are grateful for all who have shared and supported our mission.”

A store closing sale started on Friday with 30% off all items. Sales are final and artisans have already been paid in full, according to the organization.

The State College branch of Ten Thousand Villages, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that sells fair-trade products in dozens of countries, fundraised for two years to open the retail store, having previously sold goods at University Mennonite Church for two decades.

Offering fair-trade gifts, home décor, jewelry, personal accessories, art and more from international makers, the Ten Thousand Villages State College store opened in 2018.

Artisans whose products are sold through Ten Thousand Villages are paid a fair wage up front. The fair-trade relationship is also meant to ensure a healthy work environment, equal pay for men and women, no child labor and use of sustainable materials.

“Our goal is to create sustainable income for artisans in developing countries who struggle to make ends meet,” Joel Weidner, chair of the Ten Thousand Villages of Central PA board, said in 2018.

The store is currently open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

“We hope you will continue to support the store during this final phase,” the organization wrote.