A Glimpse at the numbers

I recently came across a study completed in 2022 which forecasted that the handmade market will be worth $467.6 Billion by 2028 and has an estimated current growth rate of 9.8% per year. The driving forces behind this growth is the consumer’s desire for unique and sustainably made products (United States Handicrafts Market Report, IMARC Group).

While I’ve spoken to a number of makers that felt their sales had slowed this year, there is ample evidence that the market for handmade products is only growing, and that consumers are seeking out meaningful experiences (markets and personal connection) while they shop and travel.

It’s easy to get bogged down by our personal experience- especially when they’re experiences like slowing sales, lessening engagement, etc.. But the data shows that there is plenty of room for our growth and success as makers- we just have to dive in.

And to bring that data home: our sales at the Missoula Makers Collective grew over the past year; the market we held at Downtown Tonight over the summer led to a 20-year-record breaking attendance and a near 30% growth for downtown’s event; and Holidays on Higgins experienced a similar uncharacteristic growth.

We had more local businesses than ever reach out to us about hosting their own pop up or asking how they can support makers, and we’ve witnessed unprecedented growth in the number of new makers starting their businesses.

All of this to say- 2024 is poised to be the biggest year yet for the handmade market and the data tells us that this growth isn’t slowing. So as you set your intentions for the New Year, ask yourself how you can be a positive force for that growth and help to propel this community forward.

In admiration of you all,

Bailey