Fair Trade Nonprofit Finds Permanent Home in River Park; Live Music, Giveaways Planned

Fair-trade, nonprofit retailer Tagua had spent the last five years moving from spot to spot throughout Fig Garden Village. But now, the boutique shop has found a permanent home in River Park Shopping Center, next to Tilly’s.

The business’ grand opening begins Thursday and lasts through Sunday with live music, prizes, and giveaways, said manager Kaity Bohigian.

The handmade home decor, jewelry, toys, and accessories come from around the world, Bohigian said. The nine principles of fair trade that dealers all adhere to include safe working conditions and opportunities for women and marginalized populations.

Artisans get paid living wages so they can support themselves, send their kids to school, or simply get clean drinking water. Bohigian called it a great store to buy something unique and special for someone.

“We are also a nonprofit, so everything that we make here in store goes towards supporting the store,” Bohigian said. “As we grow, that just allows us to support more artisans around the world and buy from them.”

All of the products sold at Tagua adhere to the strict fair-trade code. (Special to GV Wire)

Tagua began in Reedley in 2013 before it moved to Fig Garden Village in 2017. The nonprofit’s board planned to open only as a pop-up for the Christmas season, but success kept it open all year long. Their lease terms at the northwest Fresno shopping center were a little more relaxed for requirements, but it also meant moving around every so often, Bohigian said.

They left Fig Garden in December 2022.

Tagua is located at 7855 N. Via del Rio in River Park.