Local startup takes on big retail with wedding gift registry

For engaged couples planning their wedding gift registry, the idea is to find special items that will last years and become 'heirlooms of the future'. In reality, because of convenience for giftees and gifters, it's hard to not go with mass produced imports, sold at a multi-national chain corporation. The registry market is owned by a handful of big box store options from The Bay to Linen Chest, and online giants like Amazon. But, what if there was a locally owned wedding registry option selling smaller batch goods only made in Canada? Now there is, and it's here at Ottawa's own startup social enterprise retailer Maker House.

Our store in Hintonburg, and online at www.makerhouse.com, stocks thousands of affordably priced products from over 150 Canadian makers. Maker House now offers customers a local alternative to the big box store gift registry: an easy-to-use platform to give and receive Canadian-made artisan gifts, homewares, and furniture. Be it for weddings, birthdays, holidays, or simply to keep track of your favourite items, our young shop in Hintonburg is launching this Local Gift Registry to make buying local that much more accessible.

With features such as the ability to create and manage multiple registries online, changing delivery addresses, and easily sharing registries with guests, family members and friends, the intuitive tool matches the features of larger corporate stores, while maintaining the exceptional customer service of small local business.

Our curated maker collection has widespread appeal and is often a one-stop-shop for gifts, new homeowners, and even custom furniture made-to-order. Popular wedding gifts have been the Chalkboard Wine Decanter and glasses by Chalkboard Chique, and the adorably stamped "I Do, Me Too" Fork Set by Infinite Purpose, both based in Ottawa. Gift cards are a great option that couples could apply towards a one-of-a-kind dining table, for example. Since we opened in late 2015, many couples have brought special Maker House items home, like when our customer Jamie proposed to his (now) fiancee Emily, with a dining table instead of a ring, quoting her sage advice that "a family is built around a table."

“It's important for our customers to find unique items made with love, to know the story and support a local maker behind it. Plus each purchase supports local non-profits, as a bonus” says owner Gareth Davies about the motivation behind the store. “We're excited to launch the wedding registry feature to give folks a real local alternative."

All media and members of the public are invited to the store at 987 Wellington St. W. in Hintonburg this Saturday April 21st between 12pm and 5pm for Maker House Co.’s “Made To Love” party, to celebrate the launch of their Local Gift Registry feature.  The party will showcase the tool, along with wedding services from other local businesses: free wine samples, and cocktail snow cones from Cellar 82, catered snacks from Thyme & Again, and a draw to win a Wine and Cheese Spread Love Gift Package valued at over $200.