Window Shop News
Window Shop is Going Places!
Window Shop: See • Scan • Support Local started as an experiment in 2020 when Makers Union PDX and Portland Made came together to showcase 75 local maker brands in three vacant window fronts in just two weeks. The idea was simple - support local small business owners and bring vitality to our streets by placing products in windows with QR codes so passerbys can “window shop” and purchase the items available in each window directly from the makers.
The first three pop-ups were so well received, we kept on going. To date we’ve featured over 200 brands in seven windows. And this week, we have two big announcements…
Windows to date:
We are Now a Non-Profit
Umbrella supports street-based culture by providing non-profit status to some of Portland's most vibrant and scrappy transportation, art, and activist projects, including Pedalpalooza and the World Naked Bike Ride. They have taken Window Shop under their wing to support the project with much needed fiscal sponsorship, bookkeeping, insurance, and guidance. As a non profit, Window Shop will be able to keep popping up in windows across the Portland Metro Area at no cost to the featured makers.
Three participating brands:
We Have Teamed Up with My People’s Market
On Sunday, May 23rd 2021 we unveiled our 7th window, My People’s Market Window Shop at 10Y on SW 9th and Yamhill, featuring 100% BIPOC-owned businesses. Collaborating with My People’s Market meant the chance to work with Yvonne Perez Emerson of The Study and Make & Mary as the window’s Creative Director, access to the Mercatus’ incredible directory of local business owners, and the chance to bring My People’s Market’s powerful values to life in a pop-up:
Culture — Honor the multitude of cultures represented in Portland through art, music, dance, food, and history.
Nurturing environment — Create a nurturing environment for new businesses by providing the tools for a successful market experience.
Amplify — Amplify businesses owned by people of color by facilitating pathways for business growth and expansion.
Joy – Inspire joy in market goers by celebrating the diverse communities and cultures of Portland.
Community — Foster a space and event that deepens authentic connection and builds community relationships
A few of the brands featured in the My People’s Market Window Shop:
Wapato Island Farm
This certified organic, woman-owned, 32-acre farm located on Wapato Island is committed to utilizing + teaching folk herbalism + farming practices to rediscover ancestral traditions + honor the Earth. They offer farm-grown herbal remedies + skill-sharing workshops that honor plants, traditional wisdom + folk healing practices to build community + foster cultural resiliency.
HAB Sauce
David loves to cook, and has been experimenting with sauces for years. His father was born in Indonesia, and was half Dutch, half Indonesian. His mother was a Latina American born in Los Angeles. From a young age he was able to taste flavors from both sides of the family. Now he finds himself trying to recreate those flavors from his childhood.
Hibisbloom
Created to share their traditional West African food culture with the rest of the world for a blissful traditional experience with a glass hibiscus flower sip commonly known as Bissap. In Ivory Coast, like in most West African countries, it is the must have drink refresher after a long day of work, with a meal, at special occasions, happy-hours or for kid’s snack time popsicle.
N'Kossi Boutique
Komi Jean Pierre Nugloze has brought his unique international sensibility to fashion since 1995. His training as a tailor began in Lomé, Togo at Nides Creation Haute Couture and Venus Couture. He apprenticed under Classique Couture Chez Yve. His clothing is sold in West Africa and is available for a growing clientele in Portland, Oregon, where he now lives and works.
Want to have your products featured in an upcoming Window Shop display? Fill out our intake form.