SHOP WITH INTENTION
Not just a Maker Movement – A Maker Economy

Our first pop up in March 2012 was hosted in the former Duchess Bakeshop on 124 St. We smooshed 12 makers into a very tiny space for two days and when Global TV showed up on the Sunday to film a segment on what we were doing, they asked us what our website address was. “Uhhh onthespotcraftsale,com”, Marissa said. And then she quickly asked when the segment would air that night. “6 PM” said the reporter. At 4PM they quickly packed up the show and Marissa raced home to buy the website domain and quickly create a website to match what she told the reporter. Over the next few weeks, she fielded calls and emails from makers, artists, designers and neighbourhoods that wanted more pop ups.

Created to serve two mandates – the first to foster a made local economy where artists, designers, artisans and makers could create thriving businesses and the second, to help existing brick and mortar stores in neighbourhoods benefit from a surge of excited shoppers as the temporary pop up brought them to the area.

Over the last six years, On the Spot Pop Ups have advocated for makers to be seen as a serious economic asset to Edmonton and promoted place-making as a community catalyst.

Now with the Etsy Made in Canada shows twice a year and the renewed Mercer Collective, On the Spot Pop Ups is excited to continue to bring the best Edmonton makes.