Seattle’s got a new spot for locally made goods, and it comes with a business model that some artisans and small businesses may find compelling.
Shop Makers recently opened its first U.S. brick-and-mortar store just steps from Pike Place Market, bringing more than 90 Washington-based artists and small businesses together under one roof. Located at 106 Pike Street, the new Seattle shop officially opened at the end of May and is already packed with handcrafted finds ranging from candles and ceramics to jewelry, clothing, cookies, greeting cards, stickers, and more.
The company originally launched in Vancouver, B.C. in 2020 with a simple idea: make it easier for independent makers to connect with shoppers in their own communities. Unlike many retail setups, Makers doesn’t take a percentage of sales from vendors. Instead, artisans pay a flat monthly fee for shelf space and keep 100% of what they earn. According to Makers, their vendors make about two to three times the membership fee in sales, on average.
That approach seems to resonate with indie artisans. Every Makers location focuses heavily on nearby vendors, with at least 80% of makers coming from within a two-hour drive of the store. In Seattle, that means the shelves are stocked with products that are genuinely local, made by Washington artists and entrepreneurs rather than mass-produced imports.
Some of the more recognizable vendors already drawing attention include Iancardi Mini Print Vending Machines, Bee You Organics, and snarky stationary brand That’s So Andrew. Whether you’re looking for a quirky Seattle gift, a handmade card, or just want to browse something different from the usual tourist shops, the store offers plenty to explore.
The Seattle Makers location is open daily, generally from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., though hours vary slightly on Sunday and Monday. Given its location near Pike Place Market, it’s an easy stop whether you’re downtown for the afternoon or showing visitors around the city.
