Beloved Calgary marketplace permanently closes after 40 years
After four decades of selling handmade goods from around the world and supporting fair-trade producers, a Calgary marketplace is closing its doors for good.
Villages Calgary announced the news on Oct. 5, sharing a message on Facebook thanking customers for more than four decades of support. “Thank you for over 40 years of fair trade. Villages Calgary is now permanently closed,” the post read.
The decision came after the marketplace had been preparing to leave its longtime location at 220 Crowchild Trl. NW and move into a new space in Inglewood.
The marketplace said the move led the team to make the difficult decision to bring its four-decade run to an end.
“As we planned our move, we recognized that continuing would require more resources and capacity than our small team could sustainably provide. Rather than lose sight of the values and purpose that have guided us for more than 40 years, we have chosen to close this chapter with gratitude and pride.”
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Since opening in 1984, the organization says customers have helped it support more than 98 artisan groups through their purchases. It also said it has purchased more than $13 million worth of goods directly from artisans, supporting their families and communities.
“While our Calgary store is closing, the fair trade movement lives on,” the organization said. “Across Canada, stores and organizations continue to support fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for artisans around the world.”
For Calgary customers, the marketplace said it will update its website with resources to help shoppers find other fair-trade vendors across Canada despite closing its store.
Another Alberta store recently announced its closure, with a popular Canmore shop shutting its doors after almost 10 years.