As reported last week by Twin Cities Business, in absence of The Great Minnesota Get-Together, merchants are turning to different strategies to sell their goods and reach customers, including a new, virtual marketplace and a gift box by Fox Run.
Curated subscription-based or gift boxes aren't exactly novel (it's been a decade since pioneers like Birchbox developed its monthly beauty box), but the pandemic has certainly taught us they're as relevant as ever.
Slated to launch this week is It's Not Fair, a curated gift box service designed to deliver goods by local state fair merchants and makers right to your doorstep. Co-founded by Tia Scott (of Fox Run), and Michelle Danielson, It's Not Fair was designed to connect typical fair go-ers with local brands and merchants from a distance.
"With Fox Run Box, we saw a greater opportunity to collaborate with other state fair vendors that were missing out on everything this year," says Danielson. "We're really just expanding on that." As an avid fair go-er, Danielson, saddened by the cancellation of the 14-day tradition, reached out to some of her favorite small businesses in an effort to help them make it through this rocky year for retail.
It's Not Fair boxes will come in a variety of themed bundles, ranging from apothecary to hotdish to dogs. Boxes are priced from $26 to $119. Each It's Not Fair bundle is curated with goods from its 12 local brand partners: Carmine Jack, Essence One, Everart Design, Grandma Skills, Great Lakes Outfitters, Hagen and Oats, Moxie Malas, MN Horticulture society, Sebesta Apothecary, Adam Turman, Urban Undercover, and Vals & Co. Goods and Treats.
Keep your eyes peeled for some limited-edition goods, including a new product designed specifically for the 2020 State Fair by notable Twin Cities illustrator Adam Turman.
"We're aiming to bring a little bit of that fair experience to people," says Danielson. "And maybe even introduce someone to a new brand that they haven't seen there before."
State fair boxes will be available for pre-order starting Wednesday, August 5, and will run through Labor Day. itsnotfairmn.com, @itsnotfairmn
