Tour 39 Countries at Armitage Avenue's Newest Artisan Shop

If you’d like to experience the culture of nearly 40 developing countries while potentially helping resolve some of the challenges their citizens face, you don’t have to go any farther than Armitage Avenue.

That’s thanks to new specialty shop, Ten Thousand Villages, which opened its doors last week at 840 W. Armitage Ave. but had yet to add a sign as of Thursday. The store is primarily selling personal accessories and gifts—contrary to its typical home furnishings focus—and is the first to land in Chicago.

The fair trade retailer is part of a nonprofit organization that, “exists to help people in developing countries help themselves,” says store manager Jill Johnson. Other locations can be found in Evanston, Glen Ellyn and Oak Park.

“We are connected with artisan groups all over the world and right now we work with those in 39 developing countries,” Johnson said. “ … We connect with these similar, scrappy organizations and help bring their products to market.”

The store makes enough money to pay the rent and wages for its employees, Johnson said, but those involved in the business aren’t interested in striking it rich.

“The more we sell, the more we can support them … “ she said. “We draw fair wages just like our artisans do. But we’re more interested in doing something that makes the world a better place.”

Earned money contributes to a variety of causes including blindness in Kenya, leprosy in Nepal and aiding victims of the sex trade in India, among many others.

“And these are not just things that you buy because it’s great that they have a story behind them,” Johnson said, adding that she can print out the backstory of purchased items for those interested. “… You don’t look at an item and think, ‘Oh, I’ll buy it because it’s for a good cause.’ These really are some beautiful pieces.”

Johnson and others at Ten Thousand Villages communicate with their artisan groups to coach them on products that may sell well in the U.S. For instance, they will suggest colors that are trending or animals—like cats or dogs—that are perpetually popular.

Among Johnson’s favorite items in the store currently is a capiz shell necklace that’s priced at around $30 and a handful of homemade musical instruments that are popular with children who stop in.

The shop’s merchandise is “shockingly affordable” and always unique, she stresses.

The Armitage Avenue venture is part of Ten Thousand Villages’ current push to branch out into denser, urban areas, Johnson said. Its grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, June 15. It will include refreshments, discounts, and more, according to a news release.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays; and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

“We’re still so fresh and new,” Johnson said. “We love it when people come by, even if it’s just to hang out and visit the countries we represent. It’s a soothing environment here.”

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