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New Grand Rapids shop showcases artisan gifts from women- and minority-owned businesses
Updated Dec 20, 2020;
Posted Dec 20, 2020
Winsome Kirton is the owner of Pack Elephant, a values-driven gifting platform. The store recently opened at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids. (Brian McVicar | MLive.com)
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI Inside Pack Elephant, a new gift shop at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids, customers can find an array of artisanal goods, from candles and facemasks to blueberry jam and green tea.
Most of the items were created in small batches, the work of entrepreneurs who live in Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan. But the products share another characteristic too: Many were created by women and people of color.
Grand Rapids Business Journal
Courtesy Studio C
Studio C, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce opened the Marketplace at Studio Park on Friday.
The local gift shop, powered by Pack Elephant, is the result of a collaborative effort and will feature products made by over 30 diverse, independent makers from the greater Grand Rapids area. Ongoing workshops and events are planned to further support artisan entrepreneurs.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Marketplace and Pack Elephant to Downtown,” said Tim Kelly, president and CEO of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. “This creative initiative at Studio Park will provide a highly visible platform for local entrepreneurs, promote the growth of small businesses at a critical time for our economy and continue to diversify the mix of retail offerings in downtown.”