A new storefront in Corning, New York, is giving one local maker a way to share her gift products in a bigger way.
Marie Blouin started her gift business in 2019 selling handmade gifts to wholesale customers online, focused on offering Finger Lakes-themed souvenirs. She got into retail two years ago, selling some of her products and other local merchandise in a consignment shop in Corning, New York, under the name “Eleven Lakes Market.”
This September, Eleven Lakes Market got a new home as the lake-themed retailer moved to its own storefront at 38 W. Market Street in Corning.
Blouin has been able to update her merchandise mix as well as move the wholesale business from her home to the storefront.
“My new space has allowed me to move my wholesale merchandise, production and retail shop all under one roof, with the addition of a maker space where we’re offering crafting classes taught by local artists,” she shares. “It’s great to have everything under one roof.”
Eleven Lakes Market offers a variety of Finger Lakes and Upstate New York-themed products, commemorating popular destinations in the area, including Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, Canandaigua, Conesus, Corning and Buffalo. The retail shop carries apparel, homewares, jewelry, ornaments, stationery, stickers and pet-themed gifts.
The new storefront has allowed her to make some changes to the business.
“I discontinued some lines that weren’t doing well and was also able to add some new local brands like the popular Finger Lakes Soaps,” she says. “The biggest change is the addition of classes with local artists and makers for both adults and children. I am a big believer in providing experiences alongside retail. People are excited to have something new on the street, especially something new to do. I’m hoping to build a community of loyal makers who come to us for a night out and also to give tourists new types of activities to do when they visit.”
