This article by Margarita Wilson appeared in our Info Edmonton Magazine – March/April 2022.
An all-new space for local entrepreneurs to flourish…
Edmontonians have an all-new hub to support their favourite local brands—and discover amazing new ones. UNITE at Kingsway Mall is a brand-new, 6700-square-foot space upstairs from its sister location, The Makers Keep. UNITE’s open, modern mini-market concept, featuring vendor stalls, a tasting bar, and space for community events, feels like a mall within the mall. It’s a fun, inviting place to find some of Edmonton’s most exciting entrepreneurs and makers; current vendors include clothing retailer House of Curves Canada, sustainability brand Siempre Eco, and local grocery service Uproot Food Collective. There’s also a corner for goods sold by Black entrepreneurs through Black- Owned Market (BOM) Edmonton. Other goods you’ll find here range from jewellery to mocktail kits to cheeky greeting cards, perfect for gifting or for bringing a little bit of joy to your day.
This space isn’t just a convenient and fun way for the community to shop local: it’s also a launchpad for up-and-coming businesses in a challenging time. For some vendors, this is their first access to a brick-and-mortar space, allowing them to connect with Edmontonians and grow their brand. Having space within UNITE gives them a head start without the costs of a long-term storefront. With lots of exciting events planned for the upcoming year, it’s also an opportunity to connect with the public in innovative ways. UNITE’s secret to success is collaboration, proving the power of community through even the biggest obstacles.
