Our Store

Our store in Richmond, Virginia, is located at 3201 West Cary Street, in the historic Carytown district.  Free parking is available both on the street and in public parking decks north of Cary Street.

History of Our Store in Richmond

The Richmond store opened in August 1995 and was called Selfhelp Crafts of the World.  It was located near the Byrd Theatre and staffed by a Store Manager and a few supporting volunteers.  The store grew in success and size over the next few years.  The name Selfhelp Crafts of the World was changed to Ten Thousand Villages in 1997.  The name of the store was changed to reflect the fact that for many of our craftspeople, the village is where one's heart is, an important symbol of family, tradition, and culture.  In June 2001, the store changed its location to its current location at 3201 West Cary Street.  Since that time, we have changed the store design.  In February 2006, we moved the store offices from upstairs to the basement to make more room for merchandise.  In addition, our volunteer numbers have grown significantly, and we now have four full-time staff and one seasonal staff. 

History of Ten Thousand Villages Organization

Ten Thousand Villages started in 1946 when Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) volunteer, Edna Ruth Bylar, traveled with her husband, Joe Bylar, to visit the organization's sewing project in Puerto Rico.  While there, she noticed the intricate embroidery done by the local women.  Realizing that they had very few places to market their handicrafts, Edna Ruth purchased some embroidery pieces to sell at home in Lancaster County, PA.  Soon, Edna Ruth expanded her selection and began traveling to area churches showing samples of embroidered table linens and taking orders.

In the 1970s, stores opened and began to sell handicrafts year round.  Currently, there are nearly 175 stores in the United States and Canada selling Ten Thousand Villages products.  International Gift Festivals and Sales, which are held in churches, schools, and other locations for a short period of time, also provide an additional venue.  Thousands of volunteers in Canada and the United States work with Ten Thousand Villages in their home communities.  Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit program of MCC, the relief and development agency of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in North America.