Artist Opens Evanston Marketplace For Creators, Makers, Designers

EVANSTON, IL — A new independent retailer showcasing small businesses and artisans and opened in downtown Evanston last weekend. Assembly Creators Market, which opened Friday at 1642 Orrington Ave., aims to feature a curated selection of handmade goods from a roster of makers and creators.

Owner Reyes Witt said she is "very excited" to be open in the heart of downtown Evanston.

"The diversity and supportive art community was the draw for me," she told Patch. "My store is built on the concept to create an elevated platform for small business owners and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents."

The recently opened marketplace features products from 25 distinct brands, including Witt's own, jerjerB. Jewelry & Accessories.

The designers and artisans behind the products Witt has assembled under a single roof each have their own "loyal followings and outstanding reputations" for their high-quality products, according to a release. The goal is to create a destination for top-shelf products without the "insane" mark-up associated with luxury items.

Witt previously supervised market strategies for numerous national brands and private label product lines, learning the trade developing luxury goods for Coach and Ralph Lauren. She had enough when the "story about the product became more important than the product itself."

Assembly Creators is located in a 927-square-foot space near the corner of Church Street and Orrington Avenue that housed Craig Scott Opticians before it closed in 2009. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.