Five Things I Love About Craft Markets: The Benefits of Shopping from Small Businesses and Local Designers

As the designer and seamstress behind the clothing brand Clothes & Roads, I attend craft markets to showcase my handmade eco-conscious minimalist apparel. You may have seen me at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto, the Salon des métiers d’arts in Montreal, or another craft sale. Being part of these shows is always such a highlight for me as a business owner. But beyond participating as an artisan, I also love exploring craft markets as a visitor. There’s something so inspiring about wandering from booth to booth, meeting other designers, and discovering original, locally made products . Craft markets are such a unique way to connect with the small business community and celebrate diversity in creativity.

Here are five things I love about craft shows:

1. Supporting Local Makers and Designers

One of the best parts about attending craft markets is knowing that everything I buy is locally made. There’s something special about knowing who made your product, where it came from, and the values behind it. Shopping locally is a way to invest in your community and to support small businesses that pour passion into everything they create. And trust me, shopping local does make a difference for the local economy.

As the designer and manufacturer behind the apparel brand Clothes & Roads, every order placed online or at my booth literally helps me pay the bills and thrive as a human. Not only does it help me reimburse my material, equipment and operational costs, every sale allows me to keep doing what I love — creating products that you want and need.

Beyond that, shopping small and local also plays a vital role in preserving the skills and know-how of professions like mine. When we choose to buy products made in our own country, we sustain the demand that keeps production facilities open and ensures there’s a reason for people to learn and master these crafts. If no clothing companies produced items locally, jobs would disappear, and with them, the mastery of the craft. Over time, this would make it much harder for businesses like mine — or any new ones — to find skilled seamstresses or facilities capable of local production. While we’re not at that point yet, it’s a real challenge that local makers face, and it’s one of the many reasons why shopping local is so important, no matter the craft you are helping sustain.

2. Unique, High-Quality Products With a Story to Tell

Craft markets are filled with original, high-quality products — items you’ll never find on Amazon or in big-box stores. Whether it’s handmade ceramics, one-of-a-kind artwork, or thoughtfully crafted clothing, you can see, touch, and experience the product.

There’s a charm in that — every piece has its own story and a personal touch that you simply won’t find in chain stores. It’s about collecting and owning something special, something crafted with care and creativity, that reflects the artistry and skill of its maker.

The personal story behind a brand can be inspiring and, sometimes, even surprising. In my case, Clothes & Roads was born from my own travels. My clients are often intrigued when I confess that I never set out to launch a business at first! I simply needed minimalist, versatile clothing to pack light for my adventures. My wardrobe felt overly complicated, and I wanted timeless pieces that I could effortlessly combine. From there, I began creating clothing that wasn’t just travel-friendly, but also simple, comfortable, durable, and perfect for everyday life. Meeting designers at exhibitions and craft shows allows shoppers to see their products from a more human perspective and to better understand the gap in the market that these products were designed to fill.

Hi! I’m Marie-Eve, the maker behind the minimalist eco-friendly apparel brand, Clothes & Roads. It’s always such a joy to meet you in person and connect the faces to the names I see on my online orders. Thank you for stopping by my booth and supporting local!

📷 @charlottebdomingue.adventures

3. Meeting the Makers

One of the best parts of attending craft markets is getting to meet the people behind the products. You’re often speaking directly with the artisan, who will gladly tell you about their passion, journey, and creative process. From the inspiration behind a product to stories about starting their business, these personal connections are what make craft markets so special.

As a maker, I’ ve seen how participating in craft markets often provides valuable insights — and sometimes, funny moments too. A couple of years ago, my Globetrotter Bamboo Boxer made their market debut. Men would light up with excitement, thinking I had finally created boxers for them. When I explained that it was designed for women — and that there might be a bit of fabric missing in the front to properly accommodate them — their disappointment was obvious! That feedback was invaluable in that it made me realize there was a real need for men’s options as well. That’s how my men’s boxer collection was born, and I’m so happy to now offer comfortable bamboo underwear for all genders. You can check out the men’s underwear collection here and the women’s collection here.

These personal interactions are valuable growth opportunities, both for the consumer and the brand. On the one hand, learning behind-the-scenes facts about the product helps the consumer make more informed purchasing decisions. From a brand perspective, real-time feedback from shoppers (whether they buy from me or not) helps me innovate and create products that truly meet their needs.

Our Classic Trunk 3’’ boxers are ready to find their new home at my booth! Craft markets are the perfect chance to see the products up close and feel just how soft the bamboo fabric really is—something you just can’t do online.

📷 @charlottebdomingue.adventures

4. Shopping with Purpose

Shopping at a craft market isn’t about buying just for the sake of buying. It’s about intentionally collecting meaningful products that represent a story, a connection, and a functional purpose. When you choose to support an artisan, you’re fostering a connection and supporting a dream.

Trust me — Amazon will never do a little happy dance when your order comes in, but artisans? We do! Every sale is gratifying because it’s proof that someone values our work, and it allows us to keep creating, keep sharing, and keep doing what we love.

Your support helps us continue investing in ourselves and in our learning, to perfect our craft and pass our stories down to you.

5. Discovering New Skills and Craftsmanship

Craft markets are a celebration of skill, technique, and dedication. Each artisan has a unique process, often honed over years of practice and learning. Whether it’s woodworking, textile design, ceramics, or jewelry-making, there’s always so much to learn and appreciate about the work behind the product.

As a clothing designer, I enjoy explaining my own creative process — how each piece of fabric is selected, cut, and sewn to create a final garment. It’s a craft that requires patience, precision, and problem-solving too. I also find it fascinating to meet artisans who work in completely different trades and to hear about their skills, challenges, and journeys. Every time I attend a craft show, I leave inspired by the incredible talent and resourcefulness of our diverse small business community.

Craft fairs are more than just shopping destinations — they’re spaces where creativity, connection, and community come together. They offer a chance to meet the makers, discover unique products, and support small businesses that truly care about their craft and their consumer.

I encourage you to check out the local craft markets in your area. Go meet the designers, explore their creations, and see for yourself the love and dedication that goes into every product. And if you want to know when Clothes & Roads will be at a market near you, click on the link here or subscribe to my newsletter for updates.