One World Goods

One World Goods is a nonprofit fair-trade shop located in Pittsford Plaza at 3349 Monroe Avenue in Rochester, NY. Founded in 1987 by a group of church women seeking to support artisans in developing countries, the organization's name is an acronym: Global Opportunities Organized for Dignity and Self-worth. What started as informal sales carried in laundry baskets to area churches and schools grew into a permanent retail operation — first in Village Landing Mall in Fairport in 1991, then at its current Pittsford Plaza location since 1997. One World Goods became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in 1994 and completed a full store renovation in 2007.

The shop sells handcrafted goods sourced from fairly compensated adult artisans and farmers in more than 38 countries. Items range from traditional folk crafts to contemporary designs, made with sustainable and recycled materials including organic cotton, recycled glass, wild grasses, and repurposed oil drums. One World Goods adheres to fair-trade principles established by the World Fair Trade Organization, the Fair Trade Federation, and Fairtrade International, with standards that protect against child labor and promote safe working conditions. The store is staffed entirely by volunteers who commit to regular shifts handling customer service, stocking, and store upkeep.

One World Goods holds the distinction of being Rochester's only dedicated fair-trade retail shop, with nearly four decades of continuous operation in the region. Its mission centers on connecting local shoppers directly with global artisan communities while ensuring ethical compensation. The nonprofit model and all-volunteer workforce allow proceeds to support both the artisans and broader fair-trade education efforts in the Rochester area.

The store sits inside Pittsford Plaza on Monroe Avenue, one of the main commercial corridors connecting Brighton and Pittsford in the eastern Rochester suburbs. The plaza offers free parking and houses a mix of national and independent retailers. Current hours are Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — though visitors should confirm directly, as hours may vary seasonally.