Shopping for locally owned products is about to get much easier, as the Chamber of Commerce is preparing to launch Brooklyn Made — a merchandise shop selling Brooklyn-produced goods ranging from clothes and housewares to art, jewelry and packaged foods.
The shop, which will open Innovation Alley in Industry City on May 19, will feature 55 vendors selected through a process that prioritized BIPOC small business owners, and will help bring attention to the countless creative businesses in Kings County.
“We are proud to promote our borough’s best ‘makers’ at this retail storefront, which showcases the tenacity and ingenuity of small-business owners across Brooklyn,” said Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Chamber. “This retail store recognizes the brightest creators and artisans in a way that helps small, diverse businesses grow. New York City is back, and Brooklyn is leading the way.”
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The Chamber partnered with Wells Fargo Foundation, Industry City and the Brooklyn Community Foundation to launch the shop and promote entrepreneurs from communities of color.
Jim Somoza, managing director of Industry City, said the commerce hub is looking forward to spotlighting Brooklyn businesses.
“Industry City has always been where creatives, makers and artisans find space to hone their craft, build their business and find community,” Somoza said in a statement. “Working with an upper-floor tenant like the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce on this retail store has been great; it is a prime example of how tenants can use the campus to build new concepts while serving the upstairs business community. We’re incredibly proud to have Brooklyn Made at Industry City.”
Otis Rolley, president of the Wells Fargo Foundation and head of Philanthropy and Community Impact calls the project “key” to the economic development of Brooklyn.
“Small businesses play a vital role in making Brooklyn a vibrant place to live, work, visit and raise families – and they are the key to generating millions of jobs and economic activity here in New York City,” said Rolley. “This investment in Brooklyn Made will build on our commitment to support diverse makers, creatives and entrepreneurs and help create opportunities for them to sell their products right here in the community. We thank the Chamber, Brooklyn Community Foundation and Industry City for their collaboration on this project.”
The store comes after the chamber hosted a successful holiday pop-up shop last year. Some of those holiday vendors will now become a part of the novel storefront — including Brooklyn Tea, a husband-and-wife tea sommelier team and The Collective at IndigoStyle, a resale apparel brand.
“Brooklyn is the best borough for aspiring entrepreneurs,” said Sheryl Roberts, owner of The Collective at IndigoStyle. “I am grateful to the Chamber and its partners for supporting small businesses like mine through Brooklyn Made. Collaborating on this retail store, since its inception as a holiday market, is a dream come true.”
The Chamber will celebrate the launch on May 19 with a party featuring music from DJ Barry Blends. The celebration opens to the public starting at 5 p.m.
Starting Thursday, May 19, Brooklyn Made will be open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m and Fridays and Saturdays. from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
