Trying to find new American-made vendors can be difficult, but some destination retailers have come up with fun ways to meet and connect with new vendors and artisanal makers.
Melinda Simpson, director of operations for Rainier Guest Services, buys merchandise for the Longmire General Store in Ashford, Washington. She says she will sometimes attend community events near the park to find the perfect gift and souvenir vendors.
“There’s a sweet spot between small artisans producing limited quantities and large companies that supply mass-market goods,” she explains. “To find vendors in the middle, we stay tapped into the local community — attending art festivals, browsing local boutiques and following makers on social media.”
Simpson adds that once she finds a good local vendor, that vendor often connects her to more resources who can provide locally made merchandise.
