Part of the motivation in starting madeLOKAL was that it was so much easier to buy local when shopping for masculine items. We were seeking an easier way to buy more feminine items, while supporting local community stores, artisans and manufacturers. We didn't want to flip over tags and hunt on websites for country of origin.
Everyone's definition of 'Local' is different. At madeLOKAL, local is USA because we happen to live in Brooklyn, which is very close to Manhattan, one of the big drivers of the US economy. We do not want to omit the remainder of the country, by only shopping NYC.
This site is a place to find made in America product...because we are based in the USA, but our philosophy is that we support buying locally, no matter where you live. It's about supporting your peeps. Maintaining a balance of trade. When we explained this to a friend, she said we should put it on the website, which is a valid point, but frankly, it's not succinct. We need the soundbite. The site is a place that should be (become rather) a place where you can buy items without having to ask about its origin. For those of us who do want to support local, it should be easy...not a scavenger hunt! Hopefully our friend reads this and sees she was an inspiration to explain this not just to her, but to you too. And maybe one day, we'll figure out the sound bite. ;D
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In the meantime, there are still lots of great masculine items available. We'll list just a few in time for your Father's Day shopping!
Thanks to Shinola, some of the best looking watches today are made in Detroit, Michigan. They have even started private labeling for other companies that believe in supporting made in America.
Shinola has expanded into other categories like bicycles, notebooks and even iPhone Cases, which we believe to be some of the best looking out there! Trident is a family-owned company based in Southern California that does everything locally and support philanthropic measures as well. You can compost their product and their prices are great!
There have been amazing American distilleries opening up across the country. Industry Standard, in Industry City, NY produces a vodka product that is, "so unique and superior in taste, it warrants its own ledge, because that top shelf just doesn't cut it" says the NY Observer. If he prefers rum, Montanya Rum operates a green energy distillery out of Crested Butte, Colorado.
And if your man is into music, allow him to appreciate it that much louder with a set of beautiful headphones by Grado Labs. They offer a wide range of styles and prices, but their reviews remain top notch all across their line so you can't go wrong!
Is He a naturist? ABC Home has a lovely birdhouse made in NYC. And if he's got a green thumb, Taylor Ceramics has great looking planters.
We didn't do a Mother's Day list, because we really do believe the best gift for our Mother and Father's is time together or an 'I love you'. But if you do want to buy something to show your appreciation to the wonderful role they play in your life, why not make it a local one ;)
Have you viewed our summer shoe list yet? If not, click here.
image courtesy of Arman Dzidzovic/New York Observer
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