The Northern Grade Story

In 2010, while living in Minnesota, we had a simple idea: gather a handful of brands and create a different kind of shopping experience in Northeast Minneapolis. It started small—just a way to spotlight local and regional makers—but word spread fast. Soon, brands from both coasts reached out, eager to be part of what we were building.

We said yes.

What followed was something bigger than we ever imagined. A mix of established brands and emerging voices—what we like to call the new American creatives—came together with one shared commitment: they all made their goods in the U.S.

The result? A retail experience unlike any other. Music, food, drinks, and a packed room of people from all walks of life—curious, engaged, excited. It was raw, real, and electric. And it worked.

That one weekend in Minneapolis sparked a movement.

Over the past decade, Northern Grade has produced 44 marketplaces and seven concept stores, featuring hundreds of independent brands across the U.S. and internationally. But the real story isn’t about the numbers—it’s about the people. Along the way, we’ve built deep, personal relationships with over 1,000 designers, artisans, and visionaries—craftsmen and craftswomen whose work tells a story, whose hands shape the future of American manufacturing.

As Northern Grade grew into a nationally recognized retail platform, our mission remained the same: to create physical spaces that matter—where retail isn’t just about transactions, but about discovery, authenticity, and connection.

Now, we’re evolving again. Our next chapter? Taking everything we’ve learned about building meaningful retail experiences and bringing it online—creating a digital destination that champions American-made products like never before.

If you ever find yourself in New York City or near one of our traveling marketplaces, stop by. Experience Northern Grade the way it was meant to be—personal, immersive, and full of discovery.

Thanks for being here.

– The Northern Grade Team