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.