Our mission has always been to celebrate local artisans and provide our customers with a really high quality selection of unique Maritime goods. In our quest for local treasures, we consider many different factors to ensure that our product lineup delights our customers and reflects the vibrant communities in our region. Here’s a closer look at how we find local goods and the important considerations that guide our selections:

1. Logistics: Size and Suitability for Shipping

When we source new products, we focus on items that are small, lightweight, and easy to pack. Since we specialize in assembled gifts, it’s crucial that the new additions fit seamlessly into our gift sets. We love finding items that enhance the overall look while making shipping a breeze for both us and our customers. Our goal is to offer products that can be consistently sourced and restocked, keeping our inventory fresh and ensuring that our customers can always find their favorites.

We also consider our clientele's needs, especially when it comes to delegate gift bags and corporate gifting. Products that come in "minis" or sample sizes are perfect for travel and budget-friendly bulk orders.

2. Cost

We partner exclusively with artisans who offer wholesale pricing. This allows us to keep prices fair for our customers while supporting local makers. Building long-lasting relationships with artisans helps us share their stories and promote their craftsmanship in-store and online. While wholesale isn’t always feasible for small, labor-intensive businesses, we’re committed to finding the right balance. If you’re interested in learning more about wholesale, The Trainyard has a fantastic resource page that breaks it down.

We aim to keep most products under $30, with some exceptions for items like pottery. Since our focus is on assembled gifts, we keep pricing in mind to ensure everything fits within our customers' budgets.

3. Representation Across Communities

Representation is a core value for us. We strive to showcase products from artisans across diverse communities in our region, reflecting the richness of local culture. We prioritize sourcing from underrepresented communities, but we recognize there's room for growth in this area, and we're committed to actively improving our efforts.

4. Safety & Compliance

Quality and safety are non-negotiables here. We only carry products that comply with federal safety regulations, particularly when it comes to food and bath/body items.

5. Packaging and Quality Matters

The quality of our products is critical. We assess whether items meet retail standards by asking questions like: Will the packaging withstand shipping? Is it attractive? Is there adequate information about care and use? Quality packaging not only enhances the customer experience but also just looks better!

6. Searching for Missing Products

To continually improve our offerings, we sometimes go looking for specific products we feel are missing. This involves research through social media, Google, and other online platforms to find artisans in our region creating those items. This proactive approach helps us fill inventory gaps and fosters connections with new makers, allowing us to discover unique products that resonate with our customers while supporting emerging artisans.