Looking to help developing countries and promote sustainability? 1 World Gifts is the only store in the Greater Salt Lake Area, and only one of two in the entire state, specializing in “fair trade” items.
Fair trade items are handmade, unique pieces ranging from clothing, accessories and homegoods to artisan foods. The merchandise is handcrafted by disadvantaged artisans from all over the world.
Bekke Robb has been running 1 World Gifts since 2013. After volunteering for 10 years with SLC’s now-closed fair trade locale, Ten Thousand Villages, Robb wanted to bring back the opportunity for the community to purchase such items.
“We have over 1,000 pieces and no two are exactly the same,” explains Robb. “Fair trade guarantees no products are made from child or forced labor. And the items will always benefit the artists who crafted them, because it ensures a fair and upfront price.”
“The idea behind 1 World is to teach very poor people a way to help themselves. It stabilizes the region,” says Robb.
1 World currently sells items from Asia, Africa, and South America, but some of its products also come from U.S. communities as well.
1 World Gifts is currently located in Hyland Plaza on 2166 E. Highland Drive, but plans to relocate due to the impending 2016 demolition of the building. Robb, however, remains in good spirits, insisting, “We’re always looking forward to the future.”
