Jersey's own 'Etsy' launches

Sunday 12 April 2020

A new Etsy-style marketplace featuring products 'made in Jersey' by a variety of local makers has launched online.

MadeinJersey.je is the brainchild of digital artist Carla Butler, who became concerned for small businesses after watching markets, galleries and shops close in quick succession due to the virus pandemic.

With no local marketplace available for Jersey Makers to sell their work, Carla spent over three weeks building a website, making sure it would show off the makers' work “in the best way”.

“It's a really attractive site as well as being functional,” Carla explained. “It will be available as an additional outlet to sell work online alongside the more traditional markets, shops and galleries." 

Pictured: Carla built MadeinJersey in three weeks.

MadeinJersey gives makers access to a central platform through which they can reach their customers, both existing and new, who are no longer able to visit the many markets, shops and galleries that are normally available in the island. 

While Carla says she hopes the site will help keep the local economy alive and help small businesses continue to thrive, not just survive, throughout these challenging and unprecedented times, she had been thinking about such a site for a while.  

"I have dallied with the idea of creating an online marketplace in a similar vein to Etsy or NotOnTheHighStreet, but specific to Jersey, for many years but have never gotten round to setting anything up,” Carla explained.

Pictured: 20 makers are already selling their work on MadeinJersey. 

“When I saw the markets cancel and shops and galleries suddenly be forced to close in response to the covid pandemic, I realised that it was the push I needed and it was time to finally do something about my idea! And so Made in Jersey was born."

So far, 20 makers have got on board with more being added daily. Any maker, no matter their discipline, is invited to sign up to make use of the additional outlet to generate income, whilst the usual avenues of trading are closed or cancelled.

Joining is free and a small commission fee is payable on any sales, to cover transaction fees and the cost of setting up and running the site.

The launch of MadeinJersey was welcomed by a number of creatives, who have seen their sales drop in the past few weeks.

Pictured: Prints of Vince Thorne's photographs are available on the site.

Vince Thorne, of Vince Thorne Bespoke Photography, said the site is just what local makers and artists need. 

“We are living in very difficult times with no shops open and an online presence is definitely needed,” he said. “For me, ‘Made in Jersey’ is a great, scalable platform on which to sell my bespoke landscape photographs and is suitable for a number of different makers and artists on the island.”

With postage becoming more and more unpredictable due to the pandemic, now is the perfect time to buy local, as Kat de la Mare of Mariposa explained.

“We have such an amazing amount of creative businesses here in Jersey, and I am really excited to be a part of this new venture." 

Pictured: Cathryn Wards creates unique handmade felt gifts for all ages and occasions.

With most of her business being made locally, Cathryn Ward of Skaapie said it made more sense for her to use a platform like MadeinJersey.je rather than Etsy.

“I've noticed a big increase in demand for orders and commissions as people start to shop closer to home,” she said.

"I am also used to selling my wide range of felt products at events and fairs which obviously is not possible right now, so the need to sell online and be able to continue to work from home is greater than ever. 

“Having a website where people can shop from all local producers and designers in Jersey is fantastic and I look forward to being a part of this collaboration.” 

Pictured: "Being able to safely shop for that one special gift for someone, brings back a little normality in our lives," Lana said.

While the site will be a great help for local artists, Lana Krost of LunaFreckles also thinks it will also be beneficial for islanders.

 “In crazy times of uncertainty like these, being able to safely shop for that one special gift for someone, brings back a little normality in our lives, which we are all in need of, and hopefully encourages positive vibes and smiles around the rock whilst we endure these times together.”