This Vancouver-based market is going virtual for the first time

A Vancouver-based market is virtually opening its doors for the first time to shoppers this week.

Known as iMADE, the event is set to take place on Sunday, May 31, from 10 am to 5 pm. 

Founded by Danielle MacPherson in 2017, the market is known to host and support local artists, artisans, and micro-businesses at Heritage Hall on Main Street. 

And despite COVID-19 changing their plans for the year, iMADE decided to pivot and transition into a new alternative. 

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“I thought for weeks about how I could take this platform where vendors and all these incredibly talented people would kind of get the same type of exposure, but keep it safe for everybody,” said MacPherson. 

iMADE / Facebook

After watching DJs do Instagram lives and creators do Facebook lives, MacPherson decided to use this idea to virtually connect all the vendors to potential shoppers. Already, over a thousand people have RSVP’d to attend this event. 

“On our Facebook page under the discussion tab, shoppers will be able to see what each vendor has to offer, and then it’ll push them to the vendor’s social media channels so that the shopper can connect directly with the vendor,” said MacPherson. 

iMADE Market / Facebook

The market will have vendors selling a variety of things, from jewellery to children’s clothes to confectionary goods like homemade chocolates, to apothecary products. 

To RSVP to the event, check out the iMADE Virtual Market Facebook page.