Ten Thousand Villages has listed its headquarters at 704 Main St. in Akron for $2.95 million as the fair trade nonprofit continues to navigate retail challenges.
The organization plans to relocate to another location in the Lancaster County area, but will not announce details until after the current building is sold.
"Our industry is undergoing rapid change, and we are exploring new opportunities to build upon our organization's rich history of supporting global artisans," Dan Alonso, Ten Thousand Villages CEO, wrote in announcing the marketing of the property.
Ten Thousand Villages sells crafts and goods made around the world, with the goal of improving the quality of life of its artisans. It has occupied the building since 1987, but over the years its space needs have decreased. In 2006, it moved its warehouse operations from the building to West Earl Township. Since the pandemic, its administrative staff has shifted to a hybrid model.
The three-story, 64,981-square-foot building was home to the Miller, Hess & Co. shoe factory until 1984. It includes office and warehouse space, two freight elevators and a 100-space parking lot.
While the building is zoned commercial, apartments would be allowed with conditional use approval from borough council.
F. Jeffrey Kurtz, an associate broker with High Associates who listed the property, said there has been an equal amount of interest in the property from commercial users and developers exploring a possible conversion.
Kurtz said the sprinkler systems and electric infrastructure dating back to the old shoe factory make it suited for light manufacturing or a machine shop.
"There are lots of people who could use it. Someone who has a need for an office and a warehouse, this is a home run property," he said.
Retail challenges
Ten Thousand Villages started as a program of Mennonite Central Committee in 1946. It became an independent organization in 2012. It is known as a pioneer of the fair trade concept, which includes fair wages and safe working conditions for artisans.
In 2005, it had more than 100 stores across North America. Today it has 38 stores, according to its website. A company spokesperson said that number fluctuates because of pop-up locations.
In Lancaster County, it has a location in Kitchen Kettle Village in Leacock Township, and a store within the Mennonite Life visitors center in East Lampeter Township. A holiday pop-up store is currently operating inside the Neighbors Community Center at Hub450, located at 450 N. Prince St. in Lancaster city.
In 2022 its gross sales declined to $14.2 million from $14.7 million the previous year. Last year it sold its West Earl Township warehouse for $12.1 million, but it continues to lease space there.
Akron Borough mayor John McBeth said Ten Thousand Villages has contributed to the borough by renovating and maintaining the old factory, and sharing its parking lot for events at the neighboring Broad Street Park. But given its financial struggles, he can understand why it is ready to sell.
"We're going to miss them, and I hope somebody buys it real quick, so that the building doesn't sit and deteriorate," he said.
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{{byline}} Dec 31, 1969