The Saskatoon Farmer’s Market was buzzing with action on Sunday as local Etsy Saskatchewan entrepreneurs vied for the attention of holiday shoppers. Etsy is an international online marketplace for handmade goods.
“Every one of our vendors here is a local craftsperson or artist. We have people from Regina all of the way up to Prince Albert. All of the money stays right here in Saskatchewan so it’s a great way to shop local,” Etsy Saskatchewan captain Erin Pell said.
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The average Canadian spends more than $1,000 around Christmas, conventionally at the mall. But these Saskatchewan sellers are hoping locals will buy one-of-a-kind this year.
“You get more unique products and you get to meet the person who’s making it so you make a connection. Which I think a lot of people these days are really looking for,” Pell explained.
However, not all sellers feel that way. One local jewelry maker says her target audience isn’t those looking for a bulk buy.
“I don’t think you can compare the two because it’s so different. Either you’re into this or you’re not. It’s handmade it’s one of a kind,” My True Luminosity owner Desiree Moody said.
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ShopIndig.ca held a similar market at the Saskatoon Inn, providing an opportunity to indigenous artists and entrepreneurs to showcase their products.
“They’re shopping indigenous and shopping local. They’re supporting real people. This is their living, this is how they raise their kids and put a roof over their heads. All of the items here are gorgeous, unique, and incredible,” ShopIndig.ca owner Heather Abbey said.
“A lot of my life I’ve been told what I can and cannot do. Now I can do anything I want to do. I want to makes shoes, clothing and be the best I can be,” Moccashoes designer Ryan Linklater said.
Proving that shopping local will create more than one smile this holiday season.
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