CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) A downtown Champaign staple is celebrating more than four decades of fair trade, community engagement, and loyal shoppers while embarking on a new chapter under independent ownership. 

Formerly affiliated with the national Ten Thousand Villages network, the store has now rebranded as “Village Roots Fair Trade,” giving local leaders full control over operations, website, and vendor relationships. 

Emily King, the store’s Executive Director and a longtime Champaign resident, said she started volunteering in the shop when her mother managed it years ago. “I’ve grown up in this store,” she said. “It’s part of my family, my neighborhood, and my community. Now, we can shape it in ways that meet local needs even better.” 

King highlighted the store’s commitment to fair trade sourcing from across the globe. “Many of our items come from India, Kenya, Guatemala, and Peru. From scarves to traditional basketry, woodworking to textiles, every piece has a story—and our shoppers love learning about where these products come from,” she said. 

Village Roots has expanded its vendor list from 10 to 72, allowing for a wider selection of home goods, decorations, and fair-trade products. “We’re adding more kitchen items, food products, and fun decorations. Our loyal shoppers appreciate it, and new customers are finding us because they are asking questions about where their products come from,” King said. 

The store also emphasizes community partnerships. “The people who help me the most are other local businesses, friends, mentors, and peers,” she said. “Small businesses lift each other up, and our store thrives because of those connections.” 

Village Roots hosts private shopping events, silent auctions, and food-and-drink gatherings, aiming to create unique experiences for customers. King noted that the location has been a prime choice since long before the revitalization of downtown Champaign, with restaurants and businesses drawing more visitors to the area.  

The shop’s most popular items include the lucky three-legged pig, a bicycle pizza cutter imported from India, and a wall of fair-trade socks. Coffee and chocolate bars also have a strong following. King encourages shoppers to support the store outside the holiday season when local businesses can benefit the most from consistent patronage. 

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with roots in four local churches, Village Roots accepts donations through a Zeffy account. Contributions support the store’s mission and come with a tax receipt. “Every gift, whether large or small, helps us continue our mission and support fair trade artisans around the world,” she said. Donations can be made via their website: www.villagerootsfairtrade.org. 

“The mission hasn’t changed,” King emphasized. “We’re rebranding to be proactive, meet local needs, and create new opportunities for our shoppers and volunteers. This store belongs to our community—it’s where people come together, and that’s what makes it thrive.”