Etsy Made in Canada show draws huge crowd

Craft market was ‘crazy busy all day’

Cars circled the block slowly, the occupants carefully scanning the curb for an empty parking space.

Those who had already found a spot joined a line that snaked out the entranceway of Mackenzie Hall and all around the property before spilling out onto the sidewalk.

The e-commerce phenomenon known as Etsy had arrived in Windsor and consumers eagerly came out to meet it.

There were hundreds lined up Saturday waiting for the 10 a.m. Etsy Made in Canada craft show to open its doors.

“This is just amazing,” said Robin Slattery as she stood in line on Brock Street. “I hope we get in before lunch.” Slattery felt the huge turnout was a nod to the quality and uniqueness of the goods available on Etsy.

Established 12 years ago in New York, Etsy is a vast global marketplace where people from around the world connect to buy and sell unique handmade goods.

“I think people recognize the Etsy name,” Slattery said of the strong response. “Especially the Made in Canada. It’s nice to shop for something we know is made here. I’m looking for some early Christmas presents.”

Etsy Made in Canada craft shows were being held simultaneously in 38 other cities across the country Saturday.

Crafter Anissa Noakes was one of the organizers for Windsor’s firstever event. She said the last person in line finally made it through the doors at 1 p.m. and “we kind of lost count” after 1,200 came through.

“It was just crazy busy all day,” said Noakes, who runs the Urban Art Market in Walkerville and joined Etsy several years ago.

“You’re buying from your neighbour, that’s what I love about it,” she said. “Etsy gets everybody together to collaborate instead of everyone fending for themselves.”

Noakes lined up 45 vendors for the Rose City Etsy team.

Lynne Allen brought her Crazy for Cushions home decor.

She had a selection of pillows, towels and gift bags for sale.

“This is the first show I’ve ever done,” Allen said. “It’s kind of a big deal.” Next to her, 17-year-old Carly Jacobs was selling handmade bow ties, laptop cases and stuffed animals.

She’s got her Completely Carly line on Etsy, too.

“It’s the most well-known craft place worldwide,” she said.

“I definitely want to be part of something that big.”

As a Grade 12 student at Brennan, working weekend craft shows can put Jacobs in a time crunch. “It’s a lot of work,” she said. “I like to be busy but with Etsy it’s nice to have a constant in addition to the shows.”

Noakes attended London’s Etsy Made in Canada event last year and was approached about organizing a Windsor show.

Based on Saturday’s turnout, she’s already thinking about a bigger venue in 2018.

“I might have to find a place that can host more people,” she said.

A portion of the proceeds from Saturday will be going to the purchase of arts and craft supplies for hospitalized children in the We Care for Kids program.

Etsy gets everybody together to collaborate instead of everyone fending for themselves.