SAN ANTONIO – Ten Thousand Villages, a fair-trade retail store, announced it would close 13 company-owned stores, including San Antonio’s sole location at Pearl, by March 31.
The company announced the closures as part of a focus shift to e-commerce growth and wholesale partnerships, according to a news release.
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“This strategic move supports the organization’s mission of collaborating with artisans in underserved communities while adapting the organization to grow digital distribution sales channels and support its network of licensed stores,” the release said.”
The company said its growing online store and wholesale network would “enable the organization to expand its reach and continue supporting artisans globally.”
Ten Thousand Villages CEO Dan Alonso said, despite the difficulties of letting go of staff, the move would position the company to “thrive in a modern marketplace.”
San Antonio’s sole location is at Pearl. It has been in operation since July 2013.
Pearl CEO Misha Milsap sent KSAT a statement regarding the store’s closure on Thursday evening.
“We are saddened to learn of the nationwide closure of Ten Thousand Villages. For almost 12 years, Ten Thousand Villages has been a part of our Pearl community, and we want to celebrate their contribution to our community. The unique handmade artisan gifts they offer connect our guests to the craft and culture of the makers in developing countries.
As we navigate this transition, we are committed to thoughtfully determining the next use of their location. Pearl has a strong track record of partnering with innovative concepts and independent businesses to create unique shopping experiences. We look forward to sharing details about future retail plans when appropriate.”
Ten Thousand Villages listed its Akron-based headquarters for sale last November, according to reporting by LancasterOnline.
The company was founded in 1946 by Edna Ruth Byler.
Other stores closing across the United States are in:
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Albany, New York
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Burlington, Vermont
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Charlottesville, Virginia
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Intercourse, Pennsylvania
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Media, Pennsylvania
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Montreat, North Carolina
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Northampton, Massachusetts
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Portsmouth, New Hampshire
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Richmond, Virginia
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San Antonio, Texas
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West Hartford, Connecticut
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Austin, Texas
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