About Us

About us
A natural love for local
If you're gonna shop, shop it local.

Shopping It Local was built out of a genuine love for local – local products, local makers, local stories. Over the years, we’ve grown a large network of entrepreneurs at every stage, from first-time vendors to established brands that now anchor markets and community events across the region.

We kept getting the same request over and over: “Can you help us get more exposure?” So we leaned into what we do best – creating spaces, events and visibility for small businesses to be seen, supported and remembered.

Love for local · Vendor-first · Community-driven
Shopping It Local market
How it started
From one Family Fun Day to a full calendar of markets, gatherings and vendor experiences.
Shopping It Local’s roots go back to 2011, when we hosted our first Father’s Day Family Fun Day in Pickering. What started as a family event quickly became a space where local entrepreneurs could set up tables, test ideas, and sell their products in a supportive, welcoming environment.
2011
Father’s Day Family Fun Day in Pickering – our first big community event.
2012–2018
Growing our vendor family at community centers, flea markets and special events.
2019–Now
Seasonal shoppers markets, out-of-town and out-of-country events, and curated gatherings that keep local brands in the spotlight.

Family of entrepreneurs & community advocates

Shopping It Local is powered by a family of entrepreneurs and community advocates. With the help our extended team, we host entrepreneurs in local hubs, shopping centers, community centers, travel to out-of-town and out-of-country events, and even attend markets together as groups to support and uplift one another.

We know what it feels like to be a new vendor, a growing brand, or a seasoned entrepreneur trying to reach the next level. That inside understanding shapes how we design our events and how we treat our vendors.

We’ve been vendors too
We care about our vendors
Community over competition
What makes us different
We don’t just rent tables. We build relationships, visibility and a sense of family around every event.

We genuinely love local

Our first instinct is always: how can we highlight this business? Whether it’s a home-based bakery, a first-time author, or a service provider, we look for ways to weave you into the story of the event and the wider community.

We care about our vendors

Vendors often tell us they feel like family at our markets – welcomed, supported and seen. We check in, we promote, we celebrate your wins and we listen when you share what you need next.

We show up beyond event day

From vendor handbooks and marketing tips to online visibility and repeat bookings, our goal is to make sure you’re not just busy for one weekend, but building something sustainable all year long.

What vendors & clients say
These are just a few of the kind words shared about our events, markets and graphic design services over the years.
“No words can express the feeling of family I experienced at Family Day Shoppers Market… no judgment, everyone welcome.”
– Gillian R.
Family Day Shoppers Market
“Jamaal/#EmProGraffix is a master marketer, none better in Toronto… we always do well at any of the pop-ups in which we participate.”
– Janet C.
LiquidGREEN · Repeat vendor
“Incredibly professional and deeply attentive to both the patrons and vendors. Exceptional at creating a welcoming and supportive environment.”
– Latam W.
Vendor experience
“It is always a great experience working with Jamaal and his family… the way that different vendors can come in and be part of his family is fantastic.”
– Latanya P.
Holiday & seasonal markets
“EPG has been my go to for all things print and graphic design for close to a decade… business cards, flyers, logo and team uniforms.”
– Surviving Tween-dom
Design & print client
“Jamaal and his team host fantastic, family friendly and professional events… an environment for entrepreneurs to grow their business, network and advertise.”
– SHAEDEN Fabrics
Vendor · Multiple events
Vendor stories & video testimonials
We’ll be sharing real stories from vendors who have grown with Shopping It Local – in their own words.

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