Submitted by Holiday Alley
The popular Holiday Alley craft market has moved on-line in 2020, the only local craft market to find a way to still connect crafters, artisans and artists with Christmas shoppers this year.
Since 2017, Holiday Alley has held a successful craft market each year, with many of the vendors running out of stock before the days’ end. With this year’s pandemic, the Holiday Alley elves knew this year’s market would need to shift to on-line market.
Local gift shop, Wishme stepped up to help pivot the real market to a virtual one. The Wishme Makers’ Market team wanted to provide Manitoba and North-West Ontario vendors with a chance to shine virtually at a time when they need it most.
“When we knew we couldn’t host an in-person craft market, we still wanted to figure out a way to support local makers and crafters, especially this year. Our makers and crafters come from a variety of generations, and some don’t have the technical know-how, budget or access to instantly create and sell online. Our team is able to help bridge that technical gap this year, by showcasing each maker and crafter on our website and social media platforms,” says Maria Freeman, Executive Director of Inclusion Selkirk, who runs Wishme as a social enterprise.
Darlene Wieringa,of St. Andrews, owner, crafter, and creator of Crafty Creations Plus More, has already missed out in almost 15 markets she would have participated in since March.
“It’s a huge learning curve to switch to an online business, and a challenge felt among older-generation crafters,” says Darlene. “I miss being with people, sharing moments, laughing, and just having fun with the whole experience of craft shows. This has forced us to become more creative on how we promote our products and Holiday Alley’s new online Wishme Makers’ Markets really is making such a difference helping us to reach and extend our audiences for the holiday season.”
Wishme, a gift shop and social enterprise run by Inclusion Selkirk, has been committed to supporting small, local, and small-batch products by makers and crafters since its rebrand in 2019, adds Freeman.
“It only made sense to sponsor this year’s Markers’ Market. It gives us a chance to share and support crafters, many who are part of the market are also sold in our gift shop. We know that the same people who love shopping at the Makers’ Market will be the same people shopping at Wishme year-round,” says Freeman, Executive Director of Inclusion Selkirk.
Like many of the crafters part of this market this year, Wishme is also diving into new territory by trying to engage more online and social media.
“We rely on walk-ins and that one-on-one interaction between our amazing employees and customers to make those sales. It’s been a tough adjustment for everyone, but we’re hopefully this market will be beneficial for everyone involved.”
The Wishme Makers’ Market launched Dec. 1 and will be live online until Jan, 31, 2021. holidayalley.ca/market. More makers can join by emailing [email protected].
