Swahili

What a gorgeous shop. Everything in here was unique, well crafted and beautiful. Some really interesting pieces for every budget. I like to guess what high end shops charge for certain things and, in here, I always guessed way too high. Hey, it’s no K-​Mart, and you won’t find cheap junk. Really worth a look.

4*Swahili
296 E. Fifth Ave #222, Eugene
Very good arts and crafts from Africa
Great place to visit in the Fifth Street Market
A member of the Fair Trade Federation
Owner is very nice person
Nzuri sana

Lovely art

This is my favorite shop at the 5^th street market. Great shop and the owner is so nice and friendly

Every once in awhile, Eugene still manages to surprise me. Take Swahili: an unassuming store in the middle of our ever-​changing Public Market that is one part local business, two parts fine art, and all around fair trade. This isn’t your run-​of-​the-​mill Cost Plus or Ten Thousand Villages (though I have no reason to hate on those stores). And Swahili has a story to tell if you are ready to listen.
My first trip to Swahili was about four years ago. I had just returned to Eugene and was in major «nesting» mode in my new place. Although not a shopper, by any stretch of the imagination, I somehow managed to spend a good hour in this store during my maiden visit. I left with a beautiful hand-​carved wooden bowl filled with four, hand-​carved and dyed soapstone eggs. Just the perfect thing for spring, no?
During the intervening years, I have found several reasons to return. On my last breeze through, I found a perfect beaded bowl for my office. It sits «just-​so» on the corner of my desk, and has turned heads already. It just so happens, this find was on their sale rack … and set me back a mere $ 5. The best part is, the owners can assure me that their wares are all traded fairly – and markdowns like these don’t cost the artist.
Lest you fear that the only things sold here are bowls (no, no… that’s just my thing) rest assured. Jewelry and accessories, housewares, dining sets, gift baskets, toiletries (check out their shea butter creations!!), games, and even office supplies make wiling away a lunch break here a far too easy task.
Swahili’s efforts on the global trade front have, no doubt, far-​reaching and innumerable consequences. According to their website (
), their wares are sold at nearly 1000 retail shops! Yet, Eugene is the place they call home. I’m glad they’re here.

I absolutely love this store! Perfect place to get a gift for someone who appreciates eclectic things, but is hard to shop for. They have a nice selection of music too. Papa, the owner, is super friendly and helpful — we feel very welcome every time we go in. They donate to children’s organizations in Africa and almost everything is handcrafted and fair trade. My husband and daughter often go there for mother’s day, my birthday, and Christmas and get me fabulous gifts!