SERRV International Shop

Specialties

Fair Trade handcrafts and food from artisans and farmers in over 30 developing countries

History

Established in 1949.

Serrv is recognized as a leader and pioneer in the fair trade movement, with origins in 1949 as one of the first fair trade organizations in the United States. As a founding member of both the World Fair Trade Organization and the Fair Trade Federation, Serrv has touched countless lives with opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.

Serrv began with a small group of Church of the Brethren relief workers helping refugees rebuild after World War II. The first product sold was a cuckoo clock from Germany! SERRV originally stood for «Sales Exchange for Refugee Rehabilitation and Vocation», but since our mission and work has expanded greatly since then, we now use Serrv as a word on its own. In 1993, Serrv incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization.

Over the decades we have steadily increased our impact through the number of partners we work with and the depth of our development work.

Meet the Manager

Sarah G.

Manager

I’m a Carroll County native that grew up shopping at the Serrv gift shop. I have a background in art and design and worked as a buyer and manager of a boutique before managing this store. I love our products and the stories and people behind them!

SERRV International Shop also recommends

Ten Thousand Villages Store

1

review

Home Décor

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Gift Shops

Sarah G. says,

«Ten Thousand Villages is another great Fair Trade organization»

Marketplace Handwork of India

Sarah G. says,

«Marketplace Handwork of India is another great Fair Trade organization that employs over 400 women artisans in India. We love their clothing!»

Global Mamas

Sarah G. says,

«we love Global Mamas’ bright vibrant batiks!»

Wild Woolies

1

review

Home & Garden

Sarah G. says,

«we heart Wild Woolies! And all the other products this organization carries!»

Mata Traders

1

review

Women’s Clothing

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Accessories

Sarah G. says,

«We love Mata Traders’ unique, super-​hip Fair Trade clothing and jewelry and are proud to carry some in our store!»