Editor's Note: This article is part of a new online campaign launched in July 2023 by the City of Gainesville intended to highlight and promote must-try businesses in the area of the historic square in downtown Gainesville, Georgia. As the community continues to flourish and welcome new restaurants, retailers and service providers – especially within the downtown corridor – leadership wishes to introduce available offerings to residents and visitors alike ahead of their next trip to the City of Gainesville. Must-Try Monday features will be released weekly via gainesville.org and the @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment (City of Gainesville, Georgia) Facebook page. Be sure to "Like" and follow us on social media so you don't miss the latest and greatest about the Hospitality Capital of the World!
Rahab's Rope | 118 Washington St. NW | Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (July 10, 2023) – Situated on the northwest side of the historic square in downtown Gainesville, Rahab's Rope prides itself on being a go-to global marketplace and "give-back" gift store, profits from which help support women and children overseas.
Owned by Vicki and David Moore, Rahab's Rope offers a selection of covet-worthy products from about 15 different counties, including the United States.
"Most of our products are from India as we have full-time staff there working with women and children that are at risk or have been rescued from human trafficking," Vicki Moore told the City of Gainesville. "The store allows us to give women work and help fund the services we provide. Product sales support 70% of our work and the rest, through donations."
Learn the ins and outs of Rahab's Rope, what makes it a Must-Try Monday-worthy business and why you should make it a destination the next time you're in downtown Gainesville by reviewing the exclusive Q+A with Vicki Moore below.
Q: When did your business open and where? If your business has operated at other locations, please list those.
A: We began in 2004. Our first store was in Gillsville, Georgia, then on Thompson Bridge Road in Gainesville until moving to the downtown square. We also have a store at Pier Village on St. Simons Island that has been open for almost three years.
Q: How long have you been operating on the historic square in downtown Gainesville?
A: 15 years!
Q: What drew you to operate your business in downtown Gainesville?
A: We are from Gainesville and we love the shop local downtown square appeal.
Q: What kinds of products and/or services does your business offer to the public?
A: Home decor, gift and clothing items from all over the world.
Q: Can you give some examples of unique products and/or services you offer that aren’t easily replicated elsewhere in town?
A: Jewelry and fabric items made by survivors of human trafficking that we know personally, hand-woven and embroidered shawls from India, hand-woven baskets from Bangladesh, candles made by refugees from Afghanistan and Africa living in Clarkston, Georgia.
Q: What offerings are you most proud of and why? Give us the scoop!
A: A natural stone bracelet made by women still being trafficked – we are working to rescue them and their children in India. The scoop – the first time we paid the ladies, they said, "This is the first good money we have ever made," so we call it the Good Money Bracelet and say that good money means dignity to these ladies. The second item would be a basket we have with a terracotta tile to keep food warm. We call it a bread warmer. We employ over 40 women in Bangladesh to make this item. This item provides much-needed employment, a fair wage, freedom from exploitation, access to healthcare and education for their children.
Q: Do you target a specific audience? If so, can you please specify?
A: Everyone!
Q: If you aim to target everyone, can you please explain how and through what products and/or services?
A: When someone shops with Rahab’s Rope, they know without any doubt where their money is going. From the pictures and stories we share, people know we are the hands on the ground providing services for women and children, and much-needed employment for women and families.
Q: What is your favorite “must try” item you offer and why? Feel free to name more than one!
A: The Good Money Bracelet, bread warmer basket and our recycled silk sari clothing. I taught the women in the red-light area how to make the Good Money Bracelet and they are so proud that they make money that comes from a good place and that women in America love wearing what they make. Me and my daughter work with the women on new designs for our baskets. They are so happy to work with us and to have work. Our silk sari items are beautiful and so soft. They are made by a wonderful family artisan group that employs families.
Q: In your own words, what makes your business a positive addition to the downtown cityscape?
A: Our product is high quality, beautiful and it represents something beautiful – helping others!
Q: If you have other locations nearby, can you please provide what cities you’re located in?
A: St. Simons Island, Georgia!
Photo cutline | A bread warmer basket with terracotta tile. Rahab's Rope employs over 40 women in Bangladesh, a country in south Asia, to make this particular item. Find additional photos shared via the @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment Facebook page.
