About Ten Thousand Villages in Denver, CO

Ten Thousand Villages in Denver Colorado, is a fair trade retailer of artisan-crafted home decor, personal accessories, textiles, art and sculpture, serveware, jewelry, and gift items from around the globe.  We feature products from over 130 artisan groups in 38 developing countries as part of network of over 390 retail outlets throughout the United States selling Ten Thousand Villages products

Ten Thousand Villages began in 1946 when a Mennonite woman, Edna Ruth Byler, brought back beautifully embroidered linens from Puerto Rico to sell to her friends- she realized the difficulty the artisans had in finding buyers for their products and she desired to assist these women attain a sustainable market.  As her travels continued, so did her venture and eventually the Mennonite Brotherhood expounded her idea into a world mission effort and in the 1970’s permanent stores opened to sell handicrafts.

Ten Thousand Villages currently bolsters the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans.   Ten Thousand Villages accomplishes this by establishing a sustainable market for handmade products in North America, and building long term buying relationships in places where skilled artisan partners lack opportunities for stable income. Product sales help pay for food, education, healthcare and housing for artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed.

Ten Thousand Villages in Denver opened in 1981 as a thrift and gift store, selling high quality used items and products handcrafted by artisans in developing countries.  Staffed by volunteers from three local Mennonite Churches, and under the guidance of a board of directors, the store grew and grew changing locations four times.  In 1998 the store moved to Cherry Creek North and officially became Ten Thousand Villages Denver, dropping the thrift section of the store.  Through the many hours of volunteers, staff, and board members, the store has served the Denver area for over 30 years, improving the quality of life for thousands of artisans around the world.  

Our name, Ten Thousand Villages, originates from a quote by Mahatma Gandhi stating, “…India is not to be found in its few cities but in the 700,000 villages…we have hardly ever paused to inquire if these folks get sufficient [funds] to eat and clothe themselves with."  We believe that each village in the world represents a unique, distinctive people, offering extraordinary products born of their rich cultures and traditions, and we desire to uphold that belief in all that we do.

We strive to fulfill our vision, that one day all artisans in the developing countries will earn a fair wage, be treated with dignity and respect and be able to live a life of quality.

Thank you for your interest in our store and its vision and mission. We hope you will join us in our quest to improve the lives of our artisan partners.