Built Oregon on Thursday launched an online marketplace to showcase the state's booming ranks of consumer products companies.
"The big idea is to create one central hub where consumers can find and discover and shop Oregon products," said Leslie Mullins, Built Oregon's vice chair and marketplace director.
Oregon-based companies that make everything from wine to apparel are eligible to list products on the site.
Built Oregon is a nonprofit that works to grow the state's consumer products industry. Oregon is considered an industry hotbed thanks to giants such as Nike and Columbia and hundreds of mid-sized and smaller companies that make everything from apparel to beer and wine.
The Built Oregon marketplace already features more than 250 products.
Mullins said she wants to use the site to tell the stories of Oregon's makers and offer more than a simple e-commerce site.
"We want to give some insights behind the people," she said. "There are a lot of great things happening. There are some amazing makers and founders in the state's seven regions. We're excited about being able to elevate those stories and connect people with them."
Consumers can navigate the site by region or product category.
Built Oregon Director Mitch Daugherty said he hopes the site has statewide reach.
"If we can drive a few purchases to companies in Harney County or Wallowa County, that's amazing," he said. "To us, that's a huge win."
Companies that list products on the site pay a 10 percent fee on sales to Built Oregon.
The site is designed to easily sync with other e-commerce platforms, such as Etsy.
Companies that use the platform also get access to a group discount rate on shipping. The discount can be used on non-marketplace orders.
"It's super easy for someone just starting out, who may not have any experience with e-commerce, to get a couple of products listed," Mullins said.
For now, Mullins and Daugherty are focused on getting more companies on the site ahead of a Nov. 19-22 holiday shopping promotion.
"We want people to give the gift of Oregon this holiday season," Mullins said.
