The World Crafted on King
By Lani Gering
Alexandria’s own Ten Thousand Villages has changed its name and has re-branded itself as The World Crafted on King. I was reassured that it will continue its current role as an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to fair trade practices as it gets more involved with the community. They celebrated the Grand Re-Opening with a full weekend of activities on February 21st-23rd.
The following information was gleaned from a press release they put out late last year and it pretty much outlines why they made the change:
“Located at historic King Street, our store was opened in 1994 by a group of dedicated people with a passion for the mission of supporting fair trade practices. More than just a store, The World Crafted on King is a way to shop with intention, shop one’s values and connect with global villages. From communities throughout the world, every inspired design is crafted with love using local materials (usually natural or recycled) and time-honored skills by known makers. At The World Crafted on King, discover organic clothing and jewelry; home décor and hand knotted rugs; and specialty foods and beverages from over 45 countries. Each handmade purchase directly impacts the life and community of its maker, breaking the cycle of generational poverty and igniting social change.
Alexandria’s store has been closely linked to the national Ten Thousand Villages organization since its Alexandria inception in 1994. While the Ten Thousand Villages undertakes a new business plan to focus exclusively on wholesale channels and online sales, independent stores like Alexandria’s, are seeking to rebrand under their own names. Alexandria’s The World Crafted on King store will continue to be affiliated with Ten Thousand Villages US as a fair-trade retailer, supporting the artisans around the world that Ten Thousand Villages US represents but will now be able to expand its fair trade partnerships to bring new and different products to the store.
“While our name is new, The World Crafted on King will continue to be a community driven organization with a passion for fair trade,” said Mary Hiebert-White, the store manager. She emphasized that “we will be the same store with the same mission, just a new name.”
The World Crafted on King will maintain its nonprofit status with a local board of directors while continuing to bring to market hand-crafted, quality artisan products from under-resourced communities from around the world. It is “retail with a conscience” notes store manager Heibert-White. The brick-and-mortar store will ensure that the people of Alexandria, the D.C. Metro area and visitors to the City of Alexandria can experience the unique products available for sale while they support the valuable impact of fair trade on our world.”
On a more personal note, I feel a bit guilty not being a more frequent customer over the years but that is going to change. I was reminded just how extensive and reasonably priced the inventory in the store is while taking the photos accompanying this write up. They say that “a picture is worth a thousand words” so I am going to keep this short and sweet. I urge you to support this now “locally” owned and operated store and the mission they are on.
The World Crafted on King
915 King Street
703-684-1435