Passport to Peru feels like a vacation, a trip to Middle Eastern suk (bazaar) or a market in the…read moreheart of Asia. You can find this one-of-a-kind, two story store in the Coventry neighborhood of Cleveland Heights. It well reflects the neighborhood's eclectic culture. This store is a great destination for your esoteric needs, global unique gifts, and your obscure hobbies.
INVENTORY: The store offers fair and direct trade merchandise. I have a suspicion that a lot of City Buddha merchandise is now sold here due to seeing similar finds. City Buddha used to be a shop on the same street with treasures directly from Thailand. Both a treasure.
As far as countries of origin, there are many at this location. There are plenty inspirations from the East - Buddha statues, Indian gods, and incense. There is African merchandise - Ghanaian necklaces, waist beads, and masks. There are Russian-inspired hats and Mexican blankets. Then there's everything in between. As far as variety, you can find clothing, shoes (Birkenstock), decor, walking sticks, jewelry, accessories, statues, instruments like djembe, and more.
If yoga or meditation are your passions, you'll find so much here - crystals, incense, sage, tapestries, blankets, statues for your altar, and more.
Pricing greatly varies. Some of the items are higher prices like $70 straw purses. Other merchandise is deeply discounted like alpaca gloves or seasonal items like waist beads. I was very happy to find $5 waist beads and added a necklace for $12 something. They were fair trade items from Ghana. Great value!
SERVICE: The owner is very nice and helpful. He makes everyone feel seen and welcome. I always feel comfortable asking questions. You can also get a free quartz crystal with your purchase which is very nice. He truly seems like someone who finds deep meaning in what he does.
PARKING: Limited street parking is available in the area. There is a covered parking garage across the street with free parking.
I have been a customer of Passport to Peru for years. I most love that I can walk in and find everything needed for my obscure hobbies. Djembe for community drum circle in Coventry Peace Park? Check! Found it here! Waist beads for my book club? Check! Found them here! If you're looking for an interesting global experience or also chasing obscure hobbies, stop in. While you're at it, check out the rest of Coventry. There are plenty of Asian restaurants and thrift/vintage shopping! Make a day of it!