Chicago Fair Trade

Join us this Thursday at the held at from 4pm-8pm!

Every week, we feature a different Chicago Fair Trade business member. This week, will be joining us with their range of personal, home and garden items from East Africa, Morocco, and Turkey!

Aside from getting your fix of fair trade staples, the market features:

👩‍🌾 75+ local farmers and vendors
🚚 Food trucks
🐶 Pet photography
🎶 Live music and programming
🚗 Free indoor parking for 2 hours

Stop by and say hi!

Check out these photos of this week’s vendor, Soko Space’s products and workshops in East Africa!

Join CFT business member for their one year anniversary celebration at .on.studio this Saturday, June 22!

Join us tonight (Thu) from 4-8pm at the night market at !

This week’s guest vendor is , so stop by our booth to browse their beautiful handmade fair trade gifts!

Today, on , we stand in solidarity with refugees, honoring their resilience. UNHCR estimates that by mid-2023, over 110 million individuals worldwide were forcibly displaced, with 40% being children.

To show your solidarity today, consider supporting organizations and businesses like that provide empowerment and education to refugees around the world.

And because it’s , enjoy these photos from last year’s World Refugee Day event at the Chicago Fair Trade Museum!

🛍️The night market kicks off tonight!🙌

Join us between 4-8pm at on Thursdays this summer for an ethical, sustainable, and very enjoyable shopping experience!

Each week the Chicago Fair Trade booth will feature a guest fair trade vendor, and this week will be joining us there with their vibrant jewelry!

Hope to see you there!

Today is the day to become a member of Chicago Fair Trade! Join or renew your membership today and enjoy discounts to CFT’s fabulous events all year long!

Swipe ➡️ to see some of the amazing events you’ll get discounted tickets to!

Plus, today is the last day to receive a bunch of other freebies for joining, so don’t delay! Join now via link in bio!!

✨We’re on day 2️⃣ of our membership drive! Become a member today for as little as $3/month! And if you give at the $5/month level or more, you’ll receive some fun fair trade freebies!✨

Swipe right ➡️ to see a full list of benefits for every budget!!

Become a member today to:

✊Actively advocate for global labor rights and environmental sustainability
♻️ Build an ethical economy in Chicagoland, the fair trade capital of the US
🏛️ Sustain the newly opened, world-first Chicago Fair Trade Museum
🎓Develop the next generation of fair trade youth leaders
❤️ Join a friendly, welcoming community of awesome people with shared values
💲Get discounted tickets to all kinds of fair trade events – from crochet circles, to clothing swaps, chocolate-making workshops and more!

Our target is to have 125 individual members in 2024. Can you help us make this a reality?

✨Want to make a difference in the world today? Good news - there’s never been a better time to become a Chicago Fair Trade member!✨

Swipe to see WHY!! ➡️

Plus, if you join by this Thursday, June 13, you’ll enjoy some extra perks:

☕️Become a Member at $50 per year (or $5 per month) and get a free bag of CFT coffee or JusTea (pick up at the CFT Museum) plus discounts to loads of fair trade events throughout the year

🍵Become a Champion Member at $100 per year (or $10 per month) and get a free bag of CFT coffee or JusTea (pick up at the CFT Museum) and ongoing 10% discount at our CFT Museum Store and discounts on all CFT events

🛍️Become a Hero Member at $250 per year (or $25 per month) and get a free bag of CFT coffee or JusTea (pick up at the CFT Museum), an ongoing 10% discount at our CFT Museum Store, a ‘fair trade favorites’ gift bag, and a $25 voucher for our 2024 Holiday Pop-Up Shop! Plus discounts to CFT’s fabulous events all year long

Join now via 🔗 in bio!

It’s official: the Chicago Fair Trade Museum has a new home at 4704 N Broadway in Uptown!

Starting today, Wednesday June 5, we will be open every week from Wednesday-Saturday, 12pm-5pm. Just drop on in to browse our exhibits and check out our Museum Store full of fair trade favorites!

Photos courtesy of the one and only 😊

Wow, what a week! In honor of , Chicago Fair Trade kicked off a week-long fair trade celebration across Chicago to raise awareness of fair trade. Here’s how it went!

💚 We hosted eleven fair trade-themed events across the North, West, and South Sides of Chicago

🎉 We hosted a Fair Trade Market, a crochet circle, a DIY mending masterclass, ethical cocktail parties, a Trolley Tour of Chicago’s Labor History, AND opened the world’s first Fair Trade Museum in Uptown

💃 More than 250 people rocked up and learned about fair trade!

What’s next you may ask?!

The Chicago Fair Trade Museum will officially open to the public on Wednesday, June 5! Come and see us at 4704 N Broadway in Uptown, Wednesday-Saturday from 12-5pm.

Photos courtesy of the one and only 📸

World Fair Trade Week ends this Saturday, May 18 with the Grand Opening of the Chicago Fair Trade Museum at 4704 N Broadway in Uptown, and we have a full day of activities planned to celebrate!

First, join us at 1pm for a Trolley Tour of Chicago’s Labor History led by , award-winning journalist and former producer on ’s Tonight Show. In this tour across the heart of the city, you’ll see firsthand why Chicago is renowned as a crucible in the fight for workers’ rights.

Spots are very limited, so we recommend booking ASAP via link in bio!

Then, join us at 5pm for a mixology masterclass led by founder and distiller extraordinaire, Daniel Regueira. Gain cocktail connoisseur credentials while learning about the exploitative history of conventional rum production and discover how Chicago Cane Cooperative is turning things around with their worker-owned cooperative model. With their three tenets of equity, transparency, and creativity, they are natural partners with CFT!

Learn more and register now via link in bio!

Just when you think this week can’t get any better, Friday arrives with two amazing opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate !

First, join us at (or virtually) for a learning lunch to hear all about the past, present, and future of the global fair trade movement! With the rise of climate change, global pandemics, and growing income inequality - can fair trade keep up with today’s most pressing problems? - a Chicago Fair Trade Board Member, professor at University of Illinois Chicago, and expert on activism in markets - will lead us in a lively and interactive discussion on this question. We’ll explore the history of fair trade, examine how world dynamics have shifted, and brainstorm ways to keep fair trade relevant for the 21st century - especially here in Chicago.

Then, join us in the evening at the for a conscious consumer cocktail hour! In our short presentation starting at 6pm, you’ll learn what fair trade is and how it fits into zero waste living, what factors to consider when trying to make more ethical and sustainable purchases, and some simple switches we can all make to have a big, collective impact. You’ll also have a chance to ask us your questions and share your top tips, too! Don’t miss out: Aside from complimentary cocktails, we’ll also be giving away some fair trade freebies!

RSVP for both events via link in bio!

The Chicago Fair Trade Museum is reopening in Uptown this Saturday, May 18, and what better way to celebrate than sipping on delicious cocktails made with rum?

Join us for a mixology masterclass led by Chicago Cane Cooperative founder and distiller extraordinaire, Daniel Regueira. Gain cocktail connoisseur credentials while learning about the exploitative history of conventional rum production and discover how Chicago Cane Cooperative is turning things around with their worker-owned cooperative model. With their three tenets of equity, transparency, and creativity, they are natural partners with CFT!

Learn more and register now via link in bio!

As we continue our celebration this week, we’ve got not one, but two fair trade cocktail parties for you!

First up on Wednesday, join founder Cera Muchiri for an open house and complimentary cocktails at her beautiful, brand-new store in Roscoe Village! Hear all about the people who make Ecodunia’s products in Kenya, how her ethical, sustainable, fair trade business model is making a real impact in their lives, and browse their beautiful hand-made bags, wallets, and accessories. Delicious fair trade cocktails will be provided!

Then, on Thursday, Join Jamie Hayes, award-winning independent designer and founder of Chicago-designed slow fashion brand for an open house, shopping, complimentary fair trade cocktails from , and delicious fair trade snacks!

In addition to Production Mode’s collection of ethically-made, thoughtfully-designed fashion, the event will also feature work by fellow Chicago Fair Trade business member and their made-in-Colombia woven art baskets and earrings.

RSVP for these FREE parties via the links in our bio!

Our celebration continues this week with Mending & Mojitos on Tuesday at Grace Place aka the home to Chicago Fair Trade for our first 14 years! Sign up now via 🔗 in bio!

Join the for a beginner-friendly DIY mending masterclass led by professional fiber arts instructor Kristine Brandel! Learn how to extend the useful life of your clothing, plus sip on refreshing mojitos made with rum from , one of the world’s only worker-owned distilleries - and they use fair trade sugar!!

You are welcome to bring along any items of clothing you want to learn how to mend. Or not! Just stop in and join us for some mingling and mojitos and learn about our Conscious Closet Club!

Tomorrow, May 11, is day and we’re kicking off a week of amazing events with our Fair Trade Market in the space at !

JOIN US AT THE MARKET TO:

🛍️Shop for gorgeous fair trade gifts
🧶Join a FREE beginner-friendly crochet circle
🎟️Spin our fair trade wheel and win fabulous prizes
📚Pick up a FREE planner donated by
💎Take home a FREE necklace donated by
🌹Pick up FREE roses from
🍫Enjoy complimentary chocolate from
🧼Take home FREE soap from
🎁AND MORE!

Market admission is FREE. Sign up for a ticket via link in bio to take home some fair trade freebies!

A one-hour Crochet Session is also free, or $10 for if you want to take your hooks and yarn home!

Check out more details and see the other events we have planned for the week via the links in our bio!

Join us on May 18 for a Trolley Tour of Chicago’s Labor History led by , award-winning journalist and former producer on ’s Tonight Show.

In this tour across the heart of the city, you’ll see firsthand why Chicago is renowned as a crucible in the fight for workers’ rights as we: consider how Chicago’s own history made it the perfect place to build a labor movement; visit places like Haymarket Square, where a confrontation between activists and police kicked off events that still reverberate globally; trace the steps of critical figures in the labor movement like Lucy Parsons and Mother Jones; and meet people who continue the fight for workers’ rights today.

Spots are very limited, so we recommend booking ASAP via link in bio!

🧶Back by popular demand: A beginner-friendly crochet circle! Sign up now via 🔗 in bio! 🧶

Led by fiber arts expert Kristine Brandel, all are welcome to join our friendly crochet circle in the space at ! Perfect for both beginners and seasoned crocheters, join us to unwind, connect, and explore the joys of handcrafting.

Each participant will receive fair trade materials (crochet needles and naturally dyed yarn) included with the ticket price! Kristine will help you learn new skills, hone what you already know, and explore new techniques. Share tips, swap stories, and make new friends in a welcoming and supportive environment!

Plus, there will be some fabulous fair trade giveaways including fair trade necklaces from , planners from , flowers from , chocolate from , and soap from . Free validated parking as well!

BIG THANK YOU to for their generous sponsorship of World Fair Trade Week 🫶Be sure to follow them to stay up to date with their amazing sustainable living magazine!

Shop till you drop at our one-day-only Fair Trade Market this Saturday, May 11 with at ! Purchase beautiful fair trade items from Palestine, Haiti, Ghana, India, Ecuador, Nepal, and Colombia.

We’re honored to welcome Laila Hasan of the fair trade cooperative, members of , to the market who will be selling gorgeous hand-embroidered purses, shawls, pillow covers, and keffiyehs from the West Bank. Stop by to show solidarity and support fair trade makers in Palestine.

Market admission is FREE. Sign up for a ticket via link in bio to take home some amazing fair trade freebies, including fair trade necklaces from , planners from , flowers from , chocolate from , and soap from .

Plus - free 2 hour parking (we validate)!

Interested in crocheting while you’re there?! Sign up via link in bio for a beginner-friendly crochet session with professional instructor Kristine Brandel, and crochet all day!

Sign up for a beginner-friendly crochet session with fiber arts expert Kristine Brandel and crochet all day at our upcoming Fair Trade Market at the !

Market admission is FREE. Sign up for a ticket via link in bio to take home some fair trade freebies! Vendors include , , , , , .pendant, , and many more!!

A one-hour Crochet Session with fiber arts expert Kristine Brandel costs $20, or $10 for Chicago Fair Trade members - just contact us for the code. All materials (crochet needles and yarn) are included in your ticket price, and Kristine will help you hone your skills and explore new techniques. Share tips, swap stories, and make new friends in a welcoming and supportive environment! Sign up now via link in bio!!

If cost is a barrier for you, but you’d still love to participate in the crochet sessions, please let us know. We can offer a limited number of reduced-price and/or comped tickets.

BIG THANK YOU to for their generous sponsorship of World Fair Trade Week 🫶Be sure to follow them to see all their beautiful styles ethically made in India.

World Fair Trade Day 2024 falls on Saturday, May 11, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level with a full week of events kicking off on the day itself. Why a week, you ask? Well, it turns out there’s just too much to celebrate! 🎉

This year’s theme is Chicago: The Fairest City of them All. Check out what we have planned to celebrate Chicago’s rich heritage in the labor rights movement and our vibrant local fair trade community - we may be a little biased, but we think that makes us THE greatest Fair Trade City!

SATURDAY, MAY 11: Fair Trade Market & Crochet All Day (12-5pm) @ South Loop Indoor Farmers Market at Roosevelt Collection Shops

MONDAY, MAY 13: Fair Trade 101 with Nancy Demuth (12pm online)

TUESDAY, MAY 14: Mending and Mojitos (5-8pm) @ Grace Place, 637 S Dearborn

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15: Ecodunia Open House (4-7pm) @ Ecodunia, 2037 W Roscoe

THURSDAY, MAY 16: Slow Fashion Fiesta at Production Mode (6-9pm) @ Production Mode, 3860 W Lincoln

FRIDAY, MAY 17: Fair Trade Lunch & Learn with Jocelyn Leitzinger (12pm, hybrid); Fair Trade Meet and Greet @ Unwaste Shop (4-7pm), 1108 W Madison

SATURDAY, MAY 18: Fair Trade Bus Tour of Chicago with Erica Gunderson (1-4pm) followed by Chicago Fair Trade Museum Grand Reopening and Mixology Class led by Chicago Cane Cooperative @ 4704 N Broadway

We couldn’t host our annual World Fair Trade Day celebrations without the kind support of our generous sponsors.

We want to give a shout out to one of the amazing organizations that has pledged their support this year: ! Be sure to check out their spring collection and give them a follow!

We are still buzzing after a wonderful week! Here are some snapshots from our clothing swap with and 🛍️

Mark your calendars for our next week of events May 11-18 for . Full list of events via link in bio 🔗

Special shout out to Hinshaw & Culbertson for helping us make this upcoming celebration possible!

Who’s ready to celebrate?! 🙌 Globalfest is TOMORROW! Buy your ticket today to save $25 AND start bidding on our fabulous silent auction! Links in bio!!

See you tomorrow at the for THE fair trade party of the year!

It’s live! The Globalfest silent auction is now open for bidding via link in bio!

There are so many amazing items to choose from, like a vibrant accessory set from (which includes the beautiful bracelet modeled here by our very own )!

is also a Globalfest sponsor and a true leader in the ethical fashion movement who is definitely worth following (on instagram and IRL ☺️).

Also, Globalfest is THIS SATURDAY ya’ll! Get your tickets today if you haven’t yet via link in bio!

The Globalfest Silent Auction is open for bidding!

Bid now via link in bio for the chance to win over 50 items, including the amazing ones featured in these photos!

Our annual auction is a firm favorite, and no wonder: it’s so much fun and super easy to take part. Not only could you bag yourself a gorgeous ethical gift of your choice, but every cent will be donated to keep Chicago Fair Trade’s valuable work going in Chicagoland and beyond. Auction winners will be announced at Globalfest on Saturday, February 26, but everyone is welcome to take part online, even if you’re not planning to attend.

We had a blast being part of the Clark Street Cookie Crawl with !

We are grateful for the stellar kids that volunteered and for Santa who made the trip from the North Pole so we could host him at our shop!

A sweet time was had by all 🍪

has named our holiday pop up shop one of the 13 best Christmas stores in Chicago!

And it’s true! With more than two dozen vendors, like , you’ll find unique, handmade, ethical gifts for everyone on your list. Campo’s insanely soft alpaca goods will put a smile on anyone’s face, young or old!

Check out the full Timeout list of best stores: https://www.timeout.com/chicago/shopping/the-best-christmas-stores-in-chicago

And we’ll see you soon for some holiday shopping you will feel so good about!

📢 Good news, fair trade fans! Our Holiday Pop-Up Shop Shop and Museum at 2352 N Clark is now open EVERY DAY until December 23 for all your holiday shopping needs! Stop by from 11am to 7pm (6pm on Sundays) to check out 10,000 square feet of sustainable shopping goodness and support 30+ local fair trade businesses who pay fair wages to makers all over the world!

We’re grateful to have as a vendor at our Holiday Pop Up Shop, featuring beautiful scarves handmade by .

RefuSHE protects, educates, and empowers orphaned, unaccompanied, and separated refugee girls in Nairobi, Kenya. And your purchase supports this mission!

And thank you to Julia Schmidt, one of RefuSHE’s board members (pictured), for volunteering at the shop!