Expansion Management

A 'Made in America' Online Store

Sept. 8, 2015

Maker's Row, which has connected over 80,000 businesses with domestic manufacturers creating over 1.5 million products, opens an online General Store.

Adrienne Selko

Three years ago Maker’s Row set out to solve a problem.

“From first-time entrepreneurs to big brands, everyone faces the same problem when it comes to finding a factory in the US,” said Matthew Burnett, CEO, Maker's Row told IndustryWeek. “When your resources are limited, your options are limited and overall business suffers. Our group provides the means to which a good idea can become a great product here in the United States.”

The industry that Burnett focused on was the apparel and accessories since it is now more of a demand model. “Companies no longer have the luxury of long lead times that are necessary when sourcing overseas.” Explained Burnett.

So he and co-founder Tonya Menendez created on online matchmaking service. For each stage of production there are available sources. The six stages are ideation, pattern making, material, sample making, tooling and production. For example in the ideation stage the site offers names of factories that can help refine an idea and analyze the different components that are involved in bringing the idea to production. At the production stage information on factories in all fifty states is available.

Industryweek Com Sites Industryweek com Files Uploads 2015 02 Maker S Row Handbag 1

Inside of a small batch handbag factory Midtown, NY

Since the site launched in November 2012, Maker’s Row has connected over 80,000 businesses with domestic manufacturers, creating over 1.5 million products.

As their marketplace for American manufacturing continued to grow, Maker’s Row realized that they were in the unique position to showcase American made products and on Sept.3 they launched The General Store. “It is an immersive online experience that explores Made in America on a consumer level,” the company said.

The store is a showcase of brands that use Maker’s Row factories to develop their collections here in the United States. The store features products that range from unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to everyday classics.

“We’re aiming to cultivate an experience that’s as welcoming as visiting your neighborhood corner store, with an array of unique products you won't see anywhere else,” said Burnett.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.