Changes are coming!

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about our transition from Ten Thousand Villages Evanston

Our Name Change

Our legal name currently continues to be registered with the State of Illinois as Ten Thousand Villages in Evanston, Inc.

We do business as (dba) Gather: Consciously Curated.

We commonly refer to ourselves (greeting customer-friends, answering the phone, etc.) as Gather.

Why did you change your name from Ten Thousand Villages Evanston to Gather?

Simply, so that our local, brick and mortar store has the opportunity to purchase more handmade crafts from more fair trade artisans and farmers.

Will Gather continue to be a not-for-profit, volunteer-run, fair trade store?

Yes! Gather is still incorporated as a 501c3 with the US Internal Revenue Service and registered in the State of Illinois.

Yes! From the friendly-face that welcomes you to the decision-maker around the table… volunteers are the heart of Gather.

Yes! Gather is a verified member of the Fair Trade Federation and continues to focus on fair trade handmade goods from marginalized communities around the world.

Will you continue to sell products from Ten Thousand Villages US?

Yes! All of your favorites like handblown glass from the West Bank and the Bicycle Pizza Cutter from India are still available here!

Can I place a special order for a Ten Thousand Villages US product that is not in stock at Gather?

Yes, if the product is in stock and available for us to order from Ten Thousand Villages US. Special orders may take over 1-3 weeks to be fulfilled.

Can I use a Ten Thousand Villages US gift card as payment at Gather?

Yes. Currently, physical Ten Thousand Villages US gift cards may be used as payment at Gather through 2025.

Can I purchase a Ten Thousand Villages US gift card from Gather?

No. Ten Thousand Villages US gift cards can be purchased at tenthousandvillages.com.

Does Gather offer gift cards?

Yes! Gather gift cards are available for purchase in store and at gatherfairtrade.com.

Can I return Ten Thousand Villages US products to Gather?

Yes AND No. With the exception of FINAL SALE items (Gift Cards and Clearance Items), any item purchased at Gather may be returned to Gather within 30 days with receipt. Items purchased at tenthousandvillages.com or a Ten Thousand Villages branded store may not be returned to Gather.

Will Gather participate in Ten Thousand Villages US promotions and discounts?

No. As of June 2025, Gather is not directly participating in Ten Thousand Villages US promotions and discounts.

I receive emails from Ten Thousand Villages Evanston and Ten Thousand Villages US, will I receive email communication from Gather?

Yes! If you received emails from Ten Thousand Villages Evanston, you will receive messages from Gather. If you also receive email from Ten Thousand Villages US, that should continue, and preference changes can be made at tenthousandvillages.com. As of August 2025, if a customer-friend has requested to receive email communication from the store, that communication will only be sent from hello@gatherfairtrade.com

Hello@gatherfairtrade.com can be added to your contacts to ensure delivery.

Will Gather location and hours change?

No and No. We will continue to call 1509 Chicago Ave in Downtown Evanston home and our hours will not currently change from: Monday-Friday 11-6pm, Saturday 10-6pm and Sunday 12-6pm.

For further information, please email hello@gatherfairtrade.com. You can reach Co-Managers, Hannah Wymer and Michaela Dix there as well.