An important step for new local makers or artisans is to get their products in front of local people to help raise brand awareness and increase sales. Finding the appropriate local markets and expos to showcase their products and brand can be difficult, not to mention expensive. To address these difficulties, Store Crossing connects retail owners and local makers in order to host pop-up shops.
Local makers and artisans can view various host store listings, which include a store information card as well as neighbourhood insight. These cards provide key information to a maker so that they can easily choose and book a store that works best for them.
Statistics Canada collects household data every five years, as part of their Census Program. This data provides a wide range of analysis, data, and geographical information, including neighbourhoods, household spending, and household types. Store Crossing uses census data as a base for their neighbourhood insight cards, which includes annual consumer spending and behaviour, age range correlating with employment, and foot traffic defined as pedestrian commuters. Their clients then used this insight to make informed choices about the best neighbourhood for their next pop-up shop.
With store partners in several Toronto and Etobicoke neighbourhoods, Store Crossing helps eliminate the time required for makers to research and find the next pop-up show to host their products.
Store Crossing uses open data to power their business. Through their neighbourhood insights, Store Crossing helps local makers and artisans find retails spaces to host pop-up shops in high-traffic areas across Toronto and Etobicoke to increase their sales. It also helps host stores gain more foot traffic, generate buzz, and get paid for sharing their space with local and online brands. For communities, it represents a greater chance to discover and buy local products.
