A new retail outlet has emerged at a mall in Kitchener, Ontario, providing a physical space for local vendors to showcase and sell their products. The Local, which debuted at Fairview Park Mall on Saturday, brings together approximately 80 Canadian vendors under one roof.
Co-founded by Lorenz and Rizzy Manaig, The Local aims to support local vendors in growing their businesses within the community. The idea for the store stemmed from the founders’ personal encounters with the fiercely competitive online marketplace.
Rizzy, who established her own online business in 2018, noticed that platforms like Etsy often compel vendors to reduce prices due to intense competition from global sellers. The goal of The Local is to assist vendors in expanding their product lines while maintaining confidence in their pricing strategies.
Faced with challenges such as tariffs leading some vendors to shut down their online operations, Lorenz emphasizes the necessity for local vendors to have alternative avenues. The Manaigs initially launched The Local last year at London’s White Oaks Mall before venturing into another location named the Port Stanley Gift Shop in Port Stanley.
The establishment has attracted over 30 vendors from the Waterloo region and 40 vendors from the London branch have extended their presence to Kitchener. Apart from supporting local vendors, Rizzy stresses the importance of aiding customers in discovering locally crafted items within a mall setting.
Catherine Young, owner of Backyard Honey Company in Wellesley and a vendor at The Local, anticipates reaching a new customer base through the mall location. Similarly, vendors like Dami Rodrigo and Niclin McNeice express excitement and optimism about showcasing their products in a physical store for the first time.
Each vendor at The Local retains 100% of their earnings, as the store operates on a rent-based system. The Manaigs place a strong emphasis on authenticity, ensuring that all products are handmade through a rigorous vendor application process.
Lorenz envisions The Local’s success by catering to customers seeking genuine and artisanal products, emphasizing the importance of tactile experiences and human connections in an era dominated by online shopping. The store’s shelves are adorned with vendor stories, fostering a sense of community and passion within the store environment.