Those seeking resources for shopping small this holiday season have a few good options in the Portland area.
Built Oregon, which works with consumer product companies from across the state, relaunched its online marketplace to make it more user-friendly and help small businesses boost their holiday sales.
The group initially launched the site in 2020 as a way to help small businesses who were reeling from the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. That first site worked, but was challenging for people to search or “discover” products.
The revamp was led by Built board member Katharine Reinhold. The marketplace has more than 400 sellers and 2,800 items listed from everything from food and beverage products to apparel and home goods.
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon, a group that has become an important resource and lender to founders from underrepresented communities, is hosting a holiday market through Dec. 24. The market is open Tuesday through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1237 N.E. Alberta St. Fourteen businesses, each owned by underrepresented founders, will offer goods there. Masks are required.
My People’s Market is back again this year. Organized by Prosper Portland and Travel Portland, it has three alternatives for shoppers. A physical market on Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at The Redd, 831 S.E. Salmon St. from noon to 6 p.m.
A window shopping campaign in downtown that features products with QR codes for online ordering. And a website for online orders to pickup on the market dates. The marketplace will feature 30 vendors and entertainment curated by YGB Portland. Masks are required, as is proof of vaccination or a negative test for the physical event.
The Ethical Fashion Festival is a partnership of designers, retailers and brands, including Portland Made, Design Week Portland and Inside Fashion Design, that will have a popup market Dec. 14-19 at retailer Kat & Mouche at 33 N.W. Fourth Ave. in Old Town.
A virtual marketplace for the Festival also takes place between Dec. 5 and Dec. 30.
