The grand reopening for The World Crafted on King, a fair trade store that rebranded from Ten Thousand Villages, starts tomorrow (Friday), leading into a weekend of festivities.
Fair trade chocolate, tea and coffee tastings and more will help celebrate the store at 915 King Street, which had announced its rebranding from Ten Thousand Villages in December. It had previously been affiliated with the nonprofit Ten Thousand Villages since 1994 to support fair trade products from artisans, but when the national organization closed stores to focus on wholesale and online sales, independent stores like the Alexandria location were forced to rebrand.
The World Crafted on King store is maintaining its nonprofit status with a local board of directors. It will also expand fair trade partnerships to bring new products to the store, which celebrated three decades of business in Old Town in 2024.
“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’s manager.
Here’s what is planned for the grand reopening:
Friday, Feb. 20
- 4:30 p.m. — Ribbon-cutting and city proclamation with Alexandria Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley
- 4:30-7 p.m. — Celebratory cake and light refreshments featuring Wine Gallery 108
Saturday, Feb. 21
- 10 a.m. to noon — Complimentary chair massages with The Garden Wellness Center
- Noon to 2 p.m. — Fair trade tea and light refreshments
- 2-4 p.m. — Fair trade chocolate and beverages featuring Wine Gallery 108
- 4-6 p.m. — Light refreshments and community connections; Meet the Board
Sunday, Feb. 22
- Noon to 3 p.m. — Fair trade coffee and chocolate tastings
Throughout the grand reopening weekend, free gifts will be provided with purchases while supplies last.
Photo 3 via Google Maps.
