A Tiny Shop With a Big Heart ~ Whistle SF
Today we’re chatting with our good friend Katie of @shopwhistlesf! Katie opened Whistle in the Sunset district of San Francisco to fulfill her passion for supporting makers from around the globe. Her expertise in buying and indie retail is a secret weapon for competing against mass market ubiquity.
SKUE: Hey Katie! You have such a great collection of international goods in your store! With so many great makers out there, how do you decide which products to bring into the store?
KATIE: It’s true, there are oh so many amazing makers out there but what I really look for is innovative design, functionality of the product and packaging! Honestly, sometimes packaging can make or break a product and is an important factor that some makers forget! I like to source via alternative channels to find items that are not generally available in mainstream markets or sold at most stores.
SKUE: Agreed, packaging is definitely important! As an expert in the business, what do you foresee as some upcoming trends in the maker movement?
KATIE: You know it’s funny, as I see more simplistic materials being leveraged to create unique wares. Concrete comes to mind — it’s durable and can be made into all sorts of products. I also see more and more paraphernalia emerging as more states legalize. I’m sure that can be lucrative for a lot of makers that cater to that market — especially if they have great design sensibility like the throwback can pipe or honey bear bubbler made by my pals @candyrelics I think as a maker it can be easy to jump on the bandwagon for a trend but it’s how the maker differentiates themselves and takes their concept or products to the next level (both in quality and design) that truly sets them apart!
SKUE: we love @candyrelics too! Ok last question for you: What new habit has had a positive impact on your business in the past 5 years?
KATIE: I would have to say spending more time on IG connecting with makers and the fact that the current makers I carry connect me with their maker friends. I have grown my network and been introduced to many new and wonderful makers via IG and maker referrals that know the look and feel of the shop. I really enjoy finding new and up and coming makers/brands and simply want to share their designs and creativity with my community! 💕
SKUE: IG is the best thing for maker connections 🤗 Thanks so much for joining us Katie! ❤️
Every week we do live interviews on Instagram @skue.co with our makers & buyers before featuring them here. Interested in joining our wholesale collective? Apply at skue.co/merchants
