No longer a novelty, pop-up markets (what we used to simply call a seasonal store) provide a popular way for shoppers to meet their makers, adding a layer of meaning to each purchase. This holiday season, Mall of America is betting big on the appeal of shopping for Minnesota-made goods with a local marketplace prominently positioned near Nordstrom. Promising a mix of unique products and food, plus plans for entertainment, the MOA local marketplace launches November 16 and will remain open through the Super Bowl in early February. Here’s a sampling of the indie brands to be featured.
Northern Glasses
Northern Glasses
“Get a glass, give a gallon” is the motto of this Minneapolis-based company, which donates a portion of every purchase to charities that provide clean water around the world. Glasses ($8.29–$8.99 each), northernglasses.com
Urban Undercover
Urban Undercover
Known for its sexy-yet-versatile underwear (black lace that rolls into a small pouch for packing), this St. Paul company has extended its line to include massage oil candles and zipper pouches. Pouch ($15) and underwear ($24–$32), urbanundercover.com
(RELATED: Holiday Headquarters 2017)
Leather Works Minnesota
You know its wallets and belts and other leather accessories. Now canvas market totes are the latest addition to this St. Paul–made line. Market tote ($80), leatherworksminnesota.com
Fringe & Fettle Ceramics
St. Paul–based potter Joanna Buyert creates modern ceramics with old-fashioned handiwork and attention to detail. Nesting bowls ($64), fringeandfettle.com
Isadore Nut Co.
Organic and premium nuts roasted by hand in small batches and smartly packaged for gifting, starting at $5. Special-edition birch box ($75), isadorenutco.com
Thumbs Cookies
The bite-sized cookies, baked in Minneapolis, make sweet gifts in several flavors, including peanut butter sea salt, ginger clove, and cinnamon and sugar. $8 per box, thumbs-cookies.myshopify.com
