CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — A longtime fixture in downtown Champaign’s retail and nonprofit community is entering a new era, as the fair trade store formerly known as Ten Thousand Villages Champaign has officially rebranded as Village Roots.
The change follows the conclusion of a national licensing agreement between Ten Thousand Villages U.S. and independently owned stores. While the name and branding are new, the organization behind the shop remains unchanged. The store has been operated by the local nonprofit SelfHelp Village Craft, Inc. since its founding in 1985.
For nearly four decades, the store has connected Champaign-Urbana shoppers with handcrafted goods sourced through fair trade partnerships with artisan groups around the world. It remains the only verified fair trade store in the Champaign-Urbana area, offering products that ensure artisans are paid fairly while providing customers with unique, globally sourced items.
“While the name is changing, the heart of our store remains the same,” said Emily King, executive director of Village Roots. “This store was built by the Champaign-Urbana community nearly 40 years ago, and it continues to be sustained by the volunteers, customers, and supporters who believe in fair trade. Village Roots reflects both where we started and our commitment to continuing that mission for years to come.”
As Village Roots moves forward, its mission remains focused on fostering connections between global artisans and the local community. The organization continues to rely on the support of volunteers, board members and loyal customers to sustain its work.
The store is located at 105 N. Walnut Street in downtown Champaign, and its hours of operation remain unchanged. In addition to its physical storefront, Village Roots is expanding its online presence, with plans to offer an online catalog and options for in-store pickup and local delivery.
More information is available at www.villagerootsfairtrade.org, and community members can follow Village Roots on social media for updates on the rebrand, new products and upcoming store news.