Global Gifts, Indy’s only full fair trade business, is closing after 38 years.
Its location at 873 Mass Ave. will close Thursday, Oct. 29, but customers can shop at the Nora location — at 8519 E. Westfield Blvd. — into December.
Jo Ellen Buffie, a board member who has managed the store on Mass Ave. for two years, said Global Gifts “never really recovered” from COVID-19. The nonprofit relies on volunteers to help Global Gifts save on payroll so it can focus on administrative costs. But even that has grown too expensive, she said.
Global Gifts sells clothing, stationery, toys, home goods and jewelry sourced from over 40 countries, including Kenya, Ghana, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
The nonprofit specializes in fair trade, which is a global movement designed to ensure workers in developing countries are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.
Before the pandemic, Global Gifts had about 45 to 50 volunteers at each location. Many of them did not return; now the number has dropped down to five volunteers.
Buffie also cited having to compete with corporate giant Amazon in the fair trade market as a reason for Global Gifts’ closing.
“You can get something that is fair trade shipped to your door. Convenience just overwhelmed what we could do. We’re not alone — this is happening across the nation,” Buffie, who’s been a volunteer for 16 years, said.
Global Gifts was founded in 1988 by members of the First Mennonite Church of Indianapolis. The nonprofit got its start selling goods at church bazaars.
Over its nearly 40 years, the brand has had four locations across Indianapolis, Bloomington and Columbus, Ohio. The Bloomington and Columbus stores closed in 2023.
“We’ve educated people on fair trade. More people can look for the symbol and ask where their goods are made. Heightening awareness has helped our artisans over the years,” Buffie said.
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Mirror Indy reporter Mesgana Waiss covers arts and culture. Contact her at 317-667-2643 or mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org.
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