Farewell to Peacecraft, Our Fair Trade Store in Albuquerque

Picture from 2013 World Fair Trade Celebration

Farewell to Peacecraft. Albuquerque's original fair-trade store is closing its doors for good on Saturday, June 15, and that is a very sad development for our community. For nearly a quarter of a century, Peacecraft provided a place in Albuquerque's Nob Hill neighborhood for local residents to buy crafts, clothing, chocolates, coffee and other fair trade products.

Invitation to 2010 fundraiser

Peacecraft was more than just a store.  It offered the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for projects around the world. You might also remember Peacecraft for its bikes for Kenya fundraiser, the Feast for Change, the Fair Trade Trunk show, its 20th birthday celebration and its annual commemorations of World Fair Trade Day.  Some of these events were also linked to fundraisers for the organization at Scalo's and Brasserie La Provence.  But meals, silent auctions and speeches were not the only method by which Peacecraft raised money to keep its operations going.  There was also yoga, a palm-reading session, and a sale of donated jewelry.

The loss of Peacecraft leaves a huge void in our community, not only because some of the crafts makers, textile producers and coffee growers in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America are losing an outlet to sell their goods, but also because folks in Albuquerque no longer have a place to acquire their products directly.  There are options online, of course, including Ten Thousand Villages, Partners for Just Trade  and the Global Exchange stores. And there is more than one outlet selling fair-trade coffee, including La Montanita Coop, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.  And some churches like Immaculate Conception Church in downtown Albuquerque are promoting fair trade through special events like Just Market.

Before we say goodbye to Peacecraft for good, you are invited to a farewell party for our fair-trade store on Saturday, June 22, at Peacecraft, 3215 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, 7:00-10:00 p.m.   The party also celebrates the expansion of Maple Street Dance (which had been subleasing the back of the store) and also serves as a farewell gathering for Jim Neustel, Peacecraft's outgoing director.  You can join the party on Facebook.  "All are welcome whether you are part of the Peacecraft community, Maple Street, Nob Hill or friend," said Neustel. "Bring what you want to drink. There will be some snacks, but feel free to bring something to share. Please pass this along to others so no one gets left out."

Thanks for the memories, Peacecraft.  You will be missed here in Albuquerque and around the world.