This week in local shopping, holiday markets continue virtually and in-person. Plus, explore several curated gift guides focused on small makers and local brands.
NEW THIS WEEK:
Bella Virtu Organics launches: After decades of building brands for other brands, former J.W. Hulme Co. CEO Claire Powell is running her own company, the clean beauty line Bella Virtu Organics. The cruelty-free, all-natural brand just launched several new products, including its Winter Care System, just in time for these dry Minnesota months. Products include a cleansing oil and bar, a rejuvenating mask, a moisturizing facial serum, a hydrating cream, and Helichrysum Essential Oil, known for its healing and anti-aging properties. Shop now @ bellavirtuorganics.com
Dugo announces closing: Dugo, the special occasion Galleria boutique also known as Dress Up Go Out, announced it will close its doors for good at the end of January. Per a story from Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, the longtime shop, which opened in 2005, has discounted just about everything in store, including a few new racks of consignment and a new collection of faux fur coats by Love Token. Galleria, Edina, dressupgoout.com
This week’s local maker & vintage drops:
Local seller Audrey Rose Vintage is doing two jewelry story sales on Tuesday at 2pm & 7pm, plus a clothing story sale on Thursday @ instagram.com/audreyrosevintage
Local vintage seller Glam Diggers Vintage is doing a big story sale drop of vintage goodies on Tuesday at 7pm @ instagram.com/glamdiggersvintage
Local fashion label Yessenya is dropping a limited-release trio of slouchy knit tops on Wednesday, exclusively at instagram.com/y.essenya
Local vintage seller Salty Minneapolis Vintage is doing its weekly story sale on Wednesday at 6pm @ instagram.com/saltymplsvintage
Everthine Jewelry is doing a limited-edition and one-of-a-kinds release on its website on Wednesday at 8pm @ everthinejewelry.com
Throughout the month of November, Wit & Delight Shop will be featuring a curated selection of home vintage goods for sale throughout the week on its Instagram story @shopwitanddelight and on its website every Friday @ shopwitanddelight.com/vintage
Local artist Ashley Mary is dropping about 20 or so new paintings on her website on Friday at 10am @ ashleymary.com
Local maker Indigo & Snow is dropping its new collaboration with local ceramicist Liz Pechacek on Saturday at 10am @ indigoandsnow.com
Local maker Lily Lund Ceramics is having a holiday sale featuring her artful, one-of-a-kind designs on Sunday, 12/13 at 7pm @ instagram.com/lilylundceramics
Moth Oddities has a story sale every Monday @ instagram.com/mothoddities
BEGINNING THURSDAY:
Atelier957 8 Deals of Hanukkah Deals: Starting on Thursday, the St. Paul designer fashion shop is celebrating the holidays with eight different deals for each night of Hanukkah. Sign up to their newsletter at atelier957.com or follow their Instagram @atelier957 to find out what the daily deals will be. Plus, save 30% on all accessories this week in store and online with code ACCESSORIZE at checkout. Thursday, 12/10–Thursday, 12/17 @ 957 Grand Ave, St Paul, atelier957.com
Winsome Goods Sew-It-Yourself Clothing Patterns Presale: Local apparel maker Winsome Goods is making five of its most popular garments available in pattern form for the home sewers out there. Each pattern will include the pattern and detailed instructions for sizes XS to XXXL. Receive a 20%-off discount by pre-ordering a pattern beginning this Thursday, 12/10 at noon. Pre-sale offer ends 1/20. Patterns will be available beginning 1/26. Learn more and preorder at winsomegoods.com
BEGINNING FRIDAY:
Grethen House 60% Off Sale: Starting Friday in store and online, you can save 60% off most fall and winter collections from designer boutique, Grethen House. Shop in store at the North Loop or 50th & France locations, or online at grethenhouse.com
FRIDAY–SUNDAY:
Burlap & Brass Store Liquidation Sale: The 50th & France gift, home and apparel shop is permanently closing its doors, but not before a blowout liquidation sale. They're selling everything from women's sweaters and jewelry to candles, home decor, displays, lighting and furnishings. Due to space size, they will be limiting the amount of customers and giving out numbers at 7:30am. Friday–Sunday from 9am–4pm @ 5013 Ewing Ave S, Minneapolis. Learn more at www.estatesales.net/MN/Minneapolis/55410/2736033?fbclid=IwAR0oTj9i9BWG6T3o09J3tdFxi1MkdUArXB14NAnTCUZwhrZsId_EykI-YNk
ENDS SATURDAY:
Up Six Vintage’s 20th Annual Holiday Sale: Save 20% storewide at the longtime St. Paul vintage shop during their annual sale event. They’ll be putting out new stock every day, so be sure to check back. Private shopping appointments and curbside pickup are available. You can check out their online stock at etsy.com/shop/UpSixVintage, but the deals are available in store or via phone orders only. Shop now through Sunday, 12/12 @ Up Six Vintage, 189 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, instagram.com/upsixvintage
SATURDAY:
Mill City Farmers Market: Winter Market: The Mill City Farmers Market is in the midst of its winter market, open on select Saturdays through April. The market will be a combination of open-air shopping in the Train Shed and Chicago Mall as well as indoor shopping inside the historic Mill City Museum. With over 120 local farmers, food makers and artists, MCFM strives to build a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational marketplace. Saturday, 12/12 from 10am–12pm @ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Northrup King Building Open Studio: The massive artist and maker studio building will have open hours throughout the holiday season, with select studios open for shopping. Those include Strey Collective, a co-op shop featuring apparel, leather goods and accessories by several local designers (#179); Excelsior Candle Co, which is offering exchanges on empty Excelsior candles and new products for the holidays, and local jewelry favorite, Larissa Loden (#265). Saturday, 12/12 from 10am–4pm plus 12/19 from 10am–4pm @ 1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis, www.northrupkingbuilding.com
The Artful Present: Veronique Wantz Gallery's annual holiday art and gifting event is back for a series of Saturdays of one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists and makers, including giftable paintings by Jim Hillegass and wood-fired stoneware serving dishes by Samuel Johnson, plus pop-ups from Goldfinch Modern Textile Craft and Yen Chee Designs jewelry. All artwork will also be 10% off for the duration of the event. Note, only 6 shoppers are allowed inside at a time. While you're there, visit nearby retailers UMEI for Japanese home goods and new interior design retailer J. Atelier. Saturdays through 12/19 from 11am–3pm @ Veronique Wantz Gallery, 901 N 5th St, Minneapolis, www.instagram.com/veroniquewantzgallery
SUNDAY:
Holiday Makers Market: Virtual Edition: Instead an in-person pop-up, this market is moving to a virtual format. Participating makers and vendors include Al’s Tailoring goods (@als.tailoring), Burn Boss candles (@burnbosscandles, Kollektiv Vinage (@kollektivmpls), Mallorie Kuschel art (@malloriekuschel), Mom and Pop Vintage (@momandpopvintage), Ophelia’s Bazaar original art and secondhand goods (@opheliasbazaar), Second Life Thrift (@_second_life_thrift), Star Baby resin and clay jewelry and goods (@starbaby.mpls), and Standout Goods vintage (@standoutgoods). Shop via each brand’s Instagram page. Sunday from 1–4pm.
ONGOING DEALS:
Face Foundrié: Now through the end of the year, the boutique spa and skincare brand is offering a gift card promotion: Purchase $100 in gift cards and receive $20 credit. Now @ locations in Maple Grove, Galleria & North Loop, facefoundrie.com
ONGOING HOLIDAY MARKETS:
Founders Co. Holiday Pop-up at Southdale: This collective of local small business owners, creators and makers—founded by Excelsior Candle Co., B + D Custom Crafts, MEND Jewelry—are back for a second year at Southdale with an expanded assortment of goods from nine local woman-owned businesses. Expect a mix of elevated, handcrafted home decor, gemstone jewelry, clothing and accessories, organic skincare, fine art and modern pottery from Namakan Goods, Wondrous Crane, Kisa Boutique and more. Open through 12/23 @ Southdale Center on 1st floor rotunda between Gap & The Body Shop, Edina, founders-co-mn.myshopify.com
Gamut Gallery’s Raging Art On: The Minneapolis gallery’s annual art holiday gift sale features handmade art, gifts, prints, jewelry and more from 40 Minnesota artists over three weeks. This year, in addition to in-person shopping, selected works will also be available online to shop. The gallery will be operating under limited capacity and you may request an appointment to ensure you can get in the door. Wednesdays–Fridays through 12/22 from 11am–6pm @ 717 S 10th St, Minneapolis, plus online through 1/4/21 @ gamut-gallery.myshopify.com
#BFOB2020: Virtual Black Friday on Broadway: In light of the recent surge in Covid cases, the event has canceled the in-person portion of this year's BFOB. The annual event presented by NEON and the West Broadway neighborhood supports small and local businesses that are part of the Northside community. Beginning Black Friday weekend, browse all our BFOB vendors and shop from them directly through the rest of the holiday season. The website will be active through the end of the year. Shop now @ www.bfob-mn.com
Holiday Reimagined & Collective Experience: While the planned, in-person Holiday Reimagined and Collective experiences from LAB will no longer be taking place at Galleria in Edina, the creative studio has pivoted to bringing the happening to life in a different way. The Collective window shopping experience will still be taking place, with a reveal happening this week before Thanksgiving and staying up through December. This will remain a safe, innovative, and beautiful way to view local products and enable contactless shopping through QR codes. Plus, watch out for exciting giveaways, DIYs and other fun Holiday Reimagined experiences on the brand’s Instagram page. Beginning this week through December @ Galleria, Edina & at instagram.com/labmpls
Holidazzle 2020 Virtual Experience: Holidazzle—which typically takes place in Loring Park—is moving online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its virtual experience is centered around The Holidazzle Show, a four-part series that features DIY holiday projects, holiday gift ideas from small businesses and more. Other online content and activities include activities, Holiday cooking recipes, Minneapolis Craft Market virtual shopping experience featuring local makers. Now through 12/24 @ www.holidazzle.com/2020
bread: A unique pop-up market: This holiday pop-up market created by local entrepreneur Marsha Magdalene will feature a mostly BIPOC group of locally owned brands and goods from local makers. Open weekends through 2/28/21 @ Maplewood Mall (lower level next to Lids/Caribou Coffee), 3001 White Bear Ave N #1015A, Maplewood, www.facebook.com/breadpopup
Fair Trade Holiday Market Pop-up: Beginning this week, four Minnesota-based fair-trade retailers are coming together to bring a new pop-up holiday shopping experience to Northeast Minneapolis. Fair Anita, Global Mamas, Elevāt and Trade Winds, plus displays from Gifts for Change, Multicolores and She is Love. These companies are joined together by their unique core values, fair trade, and ethically-made. Each group works with artisans around the world to curate globally-sourced products that have been made in ethical conditions. Now open through 12/24. Hours: Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday 11am–7pm, Friday & Saturday 10am–6pm & Sunday 12pm–4pm. @ 2516 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, www.fairtradeholidaymarket.com
Homespun Maker Market: A Minnesota-Made Holiday Pop-up Market: Shop the the best in Minnesota-made gifts for the holidays with a series of three holiday pop-up shops at local malls, featuring more than 70 local brands and makers at each location. The Ridgedale location is now open; look for stores to open at Southdale and Eden Prairie Center on Black Friday. Now open through 12/24 @ Ridgedale Center, Level 2 in Center Court, 12401 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka. Coming soon to Southdale Center in Edina and Eden Prairie Center. More info: homespunmn.myshopify.com
Minneapolis Craft Market Online Marketplace: As Minneapolis Craft Market’s live markets are currently on hold through at least winter 2020, you can now shop their makers online as well as live each week on virtual streaming app Popshop Live, where they’ll showcase a different maker each week. Use invite code MCMPOP to join for easy holiday shopping from the comfort of your couch. Download the free app @ bit.ly/mcmpsl & find upcoming live streaming dates and times at mplscraftmarket.com/events. You can also shop the full Minneapolis Craft Market collection from local makers online 24/7 @ mplscraftmarket.com
Roho Collective Virtual Artisan Holiday Market: After its in-person maker market at IDS Center was canceled due to COVID-19, local group Roho Collective has launched a virtual market featuring giftable goods and original art from local, Black-owned brands and makers. Shop now at rohocollective.square.site
Chameleon Shoppes Virtual Boutique: Known for its annual holiday pop-ups in downtown Minneapolis storefronts, Chameleon Shoppes has launched a virtual pop-in shop with goods from more than 25 local makers and brands, including several BIPOC-owned businesses. Shop now @ chameleonshoppes.com
Community Commons at Mall of America: Mall of America recently debuted Community Commons, a new, rent-free space dedicated to businesses struggling due to the pandemic or displaced due to civil unrest over the summer. Several, including Peruvian poncho retailer Llakta, come from the Midtown Global Market on Lake Street, which was hit by some of the worst damage. The 17 vendors include Twiggy Fresh (bamboo toothbrushes), and Butters by Jay (shea butter skin and haircare). The space is currently set to stay open through Spring 2021 and will feature an evolving roster of retailers. Now open @ Mall of America, 238N South Avenue (2nd level), Bloomington, mallofamerica.com/directory/communitycommons
The List Virtual Makers’ Marketplace: One unfortunate consequence of the COVID outbreak is the dearth of makers markets, which many local makers and small businesses had relied upon for a majority of their income—especially during the upcoming holiday season. Hoping to fill that void is The List, a new, Minnesota-based online maker hub that is fully launching this week. The marketplace aims to be a one-stop shop for high-quality artisans, makers and other small businesses, just in time for holiday gift-giving season. Find a mix of fashion, home goods and skin care by 40 top local makers, including Strey Designs, Adam Turman, Essence One, FOAT Design, Hackwith Design House, ILO Design, J.Lux Jewelry, Joeleen Torvick, Julia Elise Skincare, Tiny Loud and Minny & Paul. Shop now @ www.findmeonthelist.com
Julmarknad Virtual Holiday Market: The American Swedish Institute’s annual Julmarknad Swedish-style makers market has gone virtual. Now through the holidays, you can shop all 33 vendors online and tune in on December 5 for a a series of Virtual Julmarknad Artist Panels. Plus, select artists will offer virtual personal shopping appointments the weekend of December 5 and 6. Ends 12/20. Shop now at www.asimn.org/julmarknad
For more holiday markets, both virtual and in-person, plus great local shops carrying gifts from local makers, visit my Holiday Market Round-up.
GIFT GUIDES:
The List: Minnesota-based online maker hub, The List, features handmade goods from a curated collective of 73 makers from the U.S. and Canada. They recently put together 7 themed gift ideas featuring goods from all of its makers with a new list launching daily through 12/6. Find the lists at findmeonthelist.com/blog
Minneapolis Craft Market: The in-person market has gone virtual for the season with an online marketplace. They recently launched curated gift guides with goods from its all-local roster of makers, including stocking stuffers under $10 and gifts under $25. Find the lists and shop everything at shop.mplscraftmarket.com
Threaded: Minnesota-based sustainable and ethical fashion and beauty guide, Threaded, has pulled together several themed, conscious gift guides featuring makers from its list, spanning the Midwest and Central U.S. Find it on their feed at instagram.com/wearethreaded
Minnevangelist: The local guide is doing a series of gift guides featuring all-locally made gift ideas, including jewelry, art and home goods. Find it on their story highlights at instagram.com/minnevangelist and online at minnevangelist.com
Wide Eyed Vintage: The local vintage seller has several themed gift guides available to shop. Find them on their story highlights at instagram.com/wide_eyed_vintage
Maritza & Kara’s Gift List: Local esthetician Maritza Ramirez and writer Kara Nesvig have put together a thoughtful gift guide filled with their favorite goods from local brands. Find it on both Kara’s and Maritza’s story highlights @ instagram.com/karanesvig & instagram.com/maritza_at_haus
Larissa Loden Jewelry: Be sure to check out the local jewelry designer’s curated gift guides, including ideas under $40.