Ten Thousand Villages in Asheville — Local services in Asheville

Ok so this place is my happy place!! I love what this non-profit does. The majority of the staff except for managers are ALL volunteers. The store is GORGEOUS!! Prepare to spend at LEAST an hour here to really appreciate everything in this store!!! I discovered 10,000 Villages online when I was looking for baskets a) NOT made in china b) not coated with toxic cheap paint or lacquer c) HIGH QUALITY d) large enough with a lid to hold clean clothes. I found 2 online made of woven Kaisa grass. They are huge so they hold quite a bit of laundry. I bought them in an attempt to be as plastic free as possible, and omg when I get my clothes out that I don't wear much they have this AMAZING organic light grassy scent. DON"T WORRY ITS A GREAT SCENT!!! Buying from this place, you know you are helping people that have been loan sharked and taken advantage of by capitalist corporations that profit from slave labor in countries that ignore human rights. You can buy here knowing NO ONE in a sweat shop, no child slave or trafficked person is forced to make these things, and they all have a story about the exact person who made the item, where they are from, what their country/town/neighborhood/village is like, and a picture of the people who made the item. 6 years later I still have the tags on my baskets from Bangladesh.

Bless all of you for what you do!!!! Thank you for the volunteers that are NEVER pushy or hovering for you to buy something, they let you be and explore on your own and are always available if you need help. I LOVE...

Don't miss this special little place! Their name says it all...a nonprofit shop that features handmade products made from various villages in multiple countries. Quality and reasonably priced with much attention to detail. It's worth stopping in to browse even if you aren't in the buying mood. Great spot to find a unique gift for someone. Really appreciate that each item has a tag that shares details about the "making" of product. Fun, inviting staff. While they do carry products for children, it might be a bit challenging to shop with children due to the size of shop and various displays. I love that our purchases contribute to making a positive impact and serve as a reminder of a fun day...

I can't say enough good things about this retailer. They support craftspeople throughout the world and ensure they receive fair pay. The staff are typically welcoming and friendly. They have really unique and beautiful gifts. I don't necessarily like going downtown since it is often so crowded, but I have made trips just to go to this store. Their retail model clearly reflects that you can exist as an ethical business that treats workers fairly. Profits and ethics are not mutually exclusive! I wish there were more retailers like this! If you want to find awesome gifts for yourself or others then...