TregellysWorld

A Fair Trade Gift Shop

44 State Street
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370

Phone: 413-625-6160

Send an email

Tregellys World is a fair trade gift shop dedicated to supporting fair trade the world over. Our mission is to represent artists from all over the world "one artist at a time."

We are a small one-man owned business not affiliated with any organizations. Edward J. Cothey is the driving force behind Tregellys World. After retiring from 28 years at sea as a fisherman and a sailor in the British Merchant Navy, he came to the United States and started the Tregellys Fiber Farm with his wife Jody in Hawley, MA. After a lifetime of traveling all over the world in ships, it was second nature for Edward to travel again. But now he travels on land to some very imaginative destinations - Dharamsala, New Delhi and Kathmandu to mention but a few. 

After meeting and becoming good friends with members of the Tibetan community in India and Nepal, Edaward and Jody are now committed to helping Tibetan refugees as best they can. As first Tregellys World was initiated to help Tibetans, but now helps artisans in Africa, India, Nepal, South America, as well as local artists here in Massachusetts.

Tregellys World Supports Fair Trade 
Fair Trade means an equitable and fair partnership between businesses and organizations in North America and producers in the developing world. Fair trade businesses foster long-term and direct relationships with producers, because they know these connections are a highly effective way to help producers help themselves.

Fair Wages in the Local Context 
Producers receive fair compensation for their products, which means that workers are paid at least that country's minimum wage. Since the minimum wage is often not enough for basic survival, whenever feasible, workers are paid a living wage, which enables them to cover basic needs, such as food, shelter, education and health care for their families. Paying fair wages does not necessarily mean that products will cost the consumer more. Since fair trade organizations bypass exploitative middlemen and work directly with producers, they are able to reduce costs and return a greater percentage of the retail price to the producers.  

Posting # 1764 Expires: May 21, 2050