Understanding Amish Stores: Authenticity, Quality, and Community

What is an Amish Store?

Amish stores are unique retail establishments deeply rooted in the traditions and lifestyles of the Amish community. By understanding the different types of Amish stores, you can ensure you're getting authentic, high-quality Amish products while supporting genuine Amish craftsmanship. Here are the three main types of Amish stores:

1. Amish Owned and Operated Stores
2. Genuine Amish Stores Owned by Non-Amish
3. Scammers and Corporations Exploiting the Amish Name

1. Amish Owned and Operated Stores

These stores are found exclusively within Amish communities and are run by Amish individuals. They typically sell their products in-person and on a small scale, never using the name "Amish" in their business or advertising. Here are some key features:

• In-Person Sales: These stores focus on direct sales to customers who visit the community, giving you a genuine experience.
• Authenticity: Products are genuinely Amish-made, reflecting the high standards and quality associated with Amish craftsmanship.
• No Use of 'Amish' in Marketing: These businesses do not leverage the 'Amish' name in their branding, relying instead on word-of-mouth and local reputation.

Why Shop Here? By shopping at these stores, you support the Amish community directly, ensuring that your purchase is genuine and helping to sustain traditional Amish ways of life.

2. Genuine Amish Stores Owned by Non-Amish

These stores are owned and operated by non-Amish individuals (often referred to as "English") who have developed relationships with Amish people and communities. They function through symbiotic partnerships, ensuring that the products they sell are authentic and support the Amish communities. Here are some key features:

• Partnerships with Amish Artisans: These stores have established relationships with Amish craftsmen, ensuring the products they sell are genuine.
• Broader Accessibility: These stores often have better access to marketing and distribution channels, making Amish products available to a wider audience.
• Quality Assurance: Products sold in these stores maintain the high quality and authenticity expected from genuine Amish goods.

Why Shop Here? Shopping at these stores supports both the Amish craftsmen and the businesses that help bring their products to a broader market. You can trust that your purchase is authentic and beneficial to the Amish community.

3. Scammers and Corporations Exploiting the Amish Name

Unfortunately, not all stores claiming to sell Amish products are genuine. Some businesses and corporations exploit the Amish name to sell products that have no real connection to Amish communities. These stores often sell items like toys or home goods, such as oil lamps, that appear Amish-made but are typically manufactured in places like China, lacking the quality and craftsmanship associated with genuine Amish products. Here are some key features:

• Misleading Branding: These stores often use terms like "Amish-style" or "Amish Country" to deceive customers.
• Inferior Quality: Products are often mass-produced and lack the durability and quality of true Amish craftsmanship.
• No Community Support: Purchases from these stores do not benefit Amish communities or support genuine Amish artisans.

Why Avoid These Stores? To ensure you are getting authentic Amish products and supporting the community, it's essential to avoid these misleading stores. Look for genuine stores owned by Amish or those with established partnerships with Amish artisans.

The Largest "Amish Business" Turned Scam

One of the most unfortunate examples of this deception involves the largest current "Amish business." This business began as a genuine Amish operation owned and operated by an Amish family. However, it was bought out by a large corporation interested in the famous name and customer base. The new owners quickly transitioned from selling genuine Amish-made goods to mass-produced replicas without informing their customers. This shift not only deceives customers but also undermines the trust and quality that the Amish name stands for.

While we are not going to name that business or others like it here, the best way to avoid them is to learn about the current owners (not the founders) of any business before you shop there. Do they support Amish values, or those of Wall Street?

More on Amish Businesses

As highlighted by Erik Wesner, author of "Success Made Simple: An Inside Look at Why Amish Businesses Thrive," Amish entrepreneurs have increasingly moved away from traditional farming to establish a variety of successful businesses. These range from small one-person workshops to larger manufacturers employing numerous people. The shift from farming to business is driven by factors such as a growing population, high land prices, and an evolving business tradition within the Amish community. Today, Amish businesses include construction, furniture making, food-related ventures, and various crafts, reflecting their ingenuity and adaptability.

About Veal Station Amish Market and Amish Heart

At Veal Station Amish Market and its sister company, Amish Heart, we have direct relationships with multiple Amish communities and individuals. We offer an outlet for them to bring their goods to a wider market, ensuring you get genuine, high-quality Amish products. Although the owners are not Amish, they embrace a similar simple, plain dress lifestyle. They make their own products under the Amish Heart label using the same methods, values, and care that have made the Amish famous for their craftsmanship.

• Authentic Products: We ensure that every product you purchase from us is crafted with the authenticity and excellence you expect from genuine Amish-made goods.
• Supporting the Community: By shopping with us, you support both the Amish artisans who create these products and the values that underpin their craftsmanship.
• Traditional Methods: Our products are made using traditional methods, avoiding machinery and synthetic chemicals, to deliver the highest quality and maintain the integrity of Amish craftsmanship.

Visit Veal Station Amish Market and Amish Heart to experience the best in Amish-made goods and support genuine Amish communities.

About the Authors:

The majority of the articles on this page are the collective works of Kevin and Jennifer Lanham. They operate Veal Station Ministries, Veal Station Market, and Amish Heart together, combining their expertise in various fields. Both are practicing Biblical Marriage and Family Counselors. Kevin brings a wealth of training and ministerial experience from a wide range of Biblical denominations and has studied through multiple seminaries, including Dallas Theological Seminary, The Master's Seminary, Nations University, and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Jennifer holds several Biblical and Biblical Counseling certifications and is a knowledgeable and experienced aromatherapist and medical massage therapist with a nursing background.