Global Exchange

CLOSING. Final days. Not much merchandise left.

I have visited this store twice and found out that this is a front for the anti Jewish and anti Israel pro Hamas activities. Monies these guys raise from selling souvenirs etc are used to support very shady pro extremist activities.

I always feel so guilt-​ridden when I go into these stores. I have no problem flouncing into a department store and dropping a hundred dollars on an item that was probably made in China by some machine that a grossly underpaid worker cranked, whereas I enter into this store and I’m like $ 40 for a knitted scarf?!? (when in fact, it was probably made by a woman learning a new trade after having been saved from sex trafficking). Shame on me. It’s so humbling… Even the existence of this store is a reminder that slavery exists because we allow for it to.
Anyways, this store has some really nice items including some lovely jewelry. What actually caught my eye however were these notebooks. They had these leather-​bound notebooks that were absolutely gorgeous. I just couldn’t stop staring at them. They look like those notebooks that would have justice done to them if you wrote in it with a fountain pen… or to get even fancier — a quill. They also had these notebooks that I think both the covers and the pages were made out of dung, but of course you could never tell because they just look like parchment paper. I had a nice time looking through the store. I did end up getting one of those notebooks made out of dung :).

Super cute shop with excellent goods priced fairly to support craftspeople and artisans who make them — what more can you ask for? This is a great place to find a special little gift for a dear friend or a neat little splurge item for yourself. I usually find myself in here browsing before going to a film at the movie theatre nearby — great items and a great cause!

Beautiful, unique gifts. The pricing is really fair too. I bought a beautifully dyed scarf for myself, a hand made tablecloth for my mom and a cute pair of sterling earrings for my boyfriends sister! I like this shop for little tokens of thanks and last minute gifts. Ethically awesome little trinkets.

Came in here once to see what all the hype was about. There’s a lot of interesting items, and yes, it is nice knowing that the money is going to help other people, but I personally don’t think that I would ever get anything from here. A lot of random, crafty stuff.
Also, I just feel guilty when I’m in here, like I SHOULD be spending money to help all those other people who are depending on me to make a living. It’s just too much pressure for when I’m trying to relax and shop.

Global Exchange is one of the best places to buy gifts in the Bay Area! And when you buy a present here you’re helping folks all around the world to build a better life. Global Exchange is a real gem of a shop!

Day 20 of «A year without Ama​zon​.com» So, I was in the neighborhood yesterday and stopped in. I’d never bought anything here before, but I’m trying to keep my buying local and to buy less period. Ended up with some beeswax candles and a large carryall type bag with a zipper that was 50% off. I started using the bag right away which is not what usually happens with my Internet purchases. When I buy blind or guided by an inadequate picture, I often get something that is OK, but not quite right and waste money and time. I’ve been to a lot of the countries where the items at Global exchange are made I like what they have chosen. I was in Mexico recently and thought about getting some «day of the dead» paper mache figurines, but I didn’t see any that I liked. The ones at global exchange are nice. I“ll go back for gifts in the future.

Cute little shop on College Ave. High quality. Fair trade. So it’s bound to be a pleasant and guilt-​free shopping experience because you know that the stuff you buy isn’t stained with the injustice of sweatshops while enriching some corporate giants somewhere in this country. Perfect for liberal, eco-​conscious, middle class Berkeleyans.
There are a lot of colorful and delicate crafts, accessories, jewelry, flag strips, greeting cards, T-​shirts, baskets, bath & beauty items, etc… All beautifully made. Even if you’re not the the liberal, fair trade type, this is still a great place to come and shop for unique gifts from around the world.
There’s no denying that the things sold here are expensive. Just that we are somehow assured that the money is going the right place: to the deserving folks who produced these crafts. Hopefully that would benefit them in some ways.
The staff is alright. Informative though somewhat indifferent. Other store locations include San Francisco (at Noe Valley), Portland OR, and Washington DC. This organization participates in festivals like the green festival, and organizes tours like «Reality Tours» to countries like Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, India, Iran, etc. to visit cooperatives where crafts are made and farms where products are grown. Interesting. I like do-​gooders. A cause worth supporting.

I love this store for gifts. It’s my go-​to spot because if you don’t know exactly what someone wants, you can get something unique and interesting here and know that you are spending your money in a responsible way. They always have a good jewelry selection and a selection of fair trade coffees, chocolate bars and soaps, which are all good generic gifts. For something more special, there are linens, dishes and other housewares along with skeleton figurines and other crafty things. I feel like I end up needing to buy gifts for people I don’t know that well or who seem to have everything. Instead of sending my dollars to Macy’s or a big box store, I can get a gift that is thoughtful, fairly priced and original on top of being socially responsible.

You know why this place costs more than Cost Plus? Because the people who make the stuff here get paid a fair wage. I value that in a business and make a point to drop in when I’m in the neighborhood.
I love the tchotchkes section of the store and their coffee too. Good stuff!
The merchandise is always changing. For a while, they used to sell voodoo flags, beautiful intricate pieces done up with sequins. I could never afford them, but I always admired them.

I love this store! Has a little bit of everything. I went here the other day (tuesday I think it was) and found a really groovy gift for my aunt. (it was her birthday).
you can find all kinds of goodies here.
the idea of the Fair Trade store is that all the workers and people who make the arts and crafts you see on sale at the store are paid a fair living wage so that they can continue to make thier arts/​crafts and survive in today’s brutal economy.
I love supporting small eco-​conscious collectives and organizations that help rural and economically disadvantaged communities get an equitable paycheck for their conscious goods.
This place is great for a last minute gift for a female or someone who loves cool awesome hand crafted things.
they have posters, books, clothing, wallets, hats, baby clothing, toys and awesome musical instruments from around the world.
The staff are so nice and friendly. I was helped and encouraged by the Lady that’s usually there. It’s nice to be able to shop and look when you want to. and ask questions and get advice. when you need it.

This tiny little shop is just awesome! The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by beautiful stuff from around the world. They have jewelery, clothing, bags, hats, tiny gifts, posters, post cards, beads, home décor and more. The staff was very friendly, informitive and helpful. A must go whenever you’re walking into that part of the neighborhood!

Global Exchange carries all sorts of fair trade and sweatshop-​free gifts, apparel and food.
I am giving this place five stars because they sell «no sweat» sneakers. Even though they are like wearing a second pair of socks, they will always be my favorite.