· By Switch Support
Top 5 Places to Sell Handmade Items Locally in Toronto
Are you an artisan, maker, or creative entrepreneur in Toronto looking for the perfect market to showcase your handmade items? With numerous curated shops and pop-up spaces available, it can be challenging to find the right fit for your brand.
This guide will help you navigate the top spots to sell your handmade items, weighing their pros and cons, and offering insights into each market’s core values.
Let’s dive into the top 5 places to sell handmade items locally in Toronto!
1. Best Overall: ELM - Ethical Local Market
“The purpose of building ELM is to create a community of ethical, local businesses that come together to offer a curated collection of goods, fulfilling various needs in the neighborhood. We aim to foster prosperity in the local community and beyond.” – Ethical Local Market
ELM is a fantastic option for artisans looking to sell their handmade items in an ethically-focused, supportive community. ELM offers both rental spaces and consignment options, making it accessible to vendors at various stages of their journey. With multiple locations and a commitment to ethical retail, ELM is a great place for eco-conscious makers to sell their handmade items.
Pricing:
- Base rental: $150 + HST ( space size: 2.5 ft x 2 ft, with optional display. Larger space: 4.5 ft x 4 ft )
- Consignment option: Vendor keeps 60% of profits
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Extremely affordable rent | High competition due to the wide range of handmade items offered |
Multiple locations for wider exposure | |
Vendor keeps all profits when renting a space | |
potential for online sales though the stores platform | |
No commitment contract | |
Big rental spaces |
2. Best for Trendy Businesses: Accent & Co
“Accent & Co. is a thoughtfully curated boutique offering home decor, candles, stationery, jewelry, and bespoke items. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift or a unique piece to elevate your space, Accent & Co. provides an exceptional shopping experience in one of Toronto's most dynamic locations.” – Accent & Co.
Photo Credit (2024, Accent&Co.)
Accent & Co. is a women-owned boutique. It’s dedicated to uplifting makers, artists, and entrepreneurs who create handmade items with an eye for style and quality. Their curated selection features trend-driven, handcrafted goods, making it an ideal space for those looking to reach customers who appreciate unique, design-forward products. If you’re a vendor selling trendy handmade items, Accent & Co. offers a vibrant and supportive community to showcase your work.
Pricing:
- Base package: $375 + HST
- Medium tabletop or half-shelf: $450 + HST
- Full shelf or window space: $550 + HST
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
great foot traffic | Higher rental prices |
Ideal for smaller trendy businesses | smaller space compared to other markets |
Thoughtfully curated, supportive environment | Three month commitment contract |
3. Best for Affordable Rent: Arts Market
“Our concept is simple: Provide artistic entrepreneurs with a permanent, affordable space to sell their creations.” – Arts Market
Photo Credit (2019, Arts Market)
For makers seeking an affordable space to sell their handmade items, Arts Market is one of the most budget-friendly options in Toronto. With no long-term commitments and 100% of profits going to the vendor, it's an ideal space for both new and seasoned artisans.
Pricing:
- $262 + HST for 4 weeks, with no additional fees
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Affordable rent for space | High competition due to the wide range of handmade items offered |
Big rental spaces | |
Vendor keeps all profits when renting a space | |
Multiple locations for wider exposure | |
No commitment contract |
4. Best for Growing Brands: Shop Makers
“We empower local makers at every stage, whether you’re just starting or have been in business for a decade.” – Shop Makers
Photo Credit (2024, Shop Makers)
Shop Makers is the perfect place for artisans ready to scale their handmade items business. They offer a variety of rental spaces for all levels of makers, from entry-level shelf spaces to larger display areas. Though pricier, the exposure and potential growth make it a worthwhile investment for those ready to take their handmade items to the next level.
Pricing:
- Small shelf: $250/month (1.5 ft wide, 1 ft deep)
- Medium shelf: $325/month (2 ft wide, wall height)
- Large display: $425/month (3 ft wide, wall height)
- Do need to bring own display for the medium and large shelf
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Great foot traffic | Higher rental costs |
Flexible space options for growing businesses | Small rental spaces for showcasing handmade items |
Vendor keeps all profits when renting a space | Three month commitment contract |
Many locations in Canada |
5. Best for Women-Owned Businesses: Good Intentions
"Good Intentions is a retail shop located in the lively Danforth neighborhoods of Toronto's east-end. We focus on hosting women-owned micro businesses and providing our dedicated local community with a unique boutique shopping experience" - Good Intentions
Photo Credit (2023, Good Intentions)
Good intentions is ideal for individuals looking to display their handmade items in an all women space or space that is present on social media for a beneficial partnership. This fosters community and growth.
Pricing:
- A membership fee is required and is a 4 month commitment required. Paid month to month. Membership Price not disclosed on website.
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Good foot traffic | One location |
space for women-owned businesses | Four month commitment contract |
Focuses on a niche set of artisans | Excludes a wider variety of artisans |
Vendor keeps all profits when renting a space |
Conclusion
Choosing the best market to sell your handmade items in Toronto depends on your business goals and values. Whether you're looking for affordability, a supportive community, or growth opportunities, each of these curated shops offers something unique. Select the market that aligns with your brand, and start selling your handmade items with confidence.
References
Ethical Local Market – ethicallocalmarket, https://ethicallocalmarket.com/. Accessed 2 October 2024.
Good Intentions, https://www.goodintentionsto.ca/. Accessed 2 October 2024.
Shop Makers - Handmade & Artisan Goods, https://www.shopmakers.ca/. Accessed 2 October 2024.
Arts Market Toronto | Create, Sell, Shop | Gift Store and Vendors Market, https://www.artsmarket.ca/. Accessed 2 October 2024.
Accent & Co., https://www.accentandco.com/. Accessed 2 October 2024.