Support Local: GUMA Maker's Market launches at GPO this weekend

A brand-new space at the Guam Premier Outlets is now making it easier than ever to find products unique to the island and support local. 

There’s a new home for the creations of local artists, cultural producers, and entrepreneurs on the island, as Guam Unique Merchandise and Art gets ready for the grand opening of its Makers Market this weekend.  The space features a variety of goods from approximately 30 GUMA vendors, with products ranging from pancake mix, ice cream, adorable plush toys, and more. 

Monica Guzman, GUMA's executive director, said, “It will be a beautiful shopping experience for our people. Some of the vendors here include, of course, I said, “We have UOG here, we’ve got Kingfishers Noni, we’ve got our staples, Everything Guam, Guam Treasures. There’s 30 vendors and I wish I memorized all of them, but it’s  going to be really exciting and really great for our vendors and for this partnership.”

The move comes on the heels of the upcoming closure of DFS Guam, a long-time partner of GUMA, which recently housed the wares of 25 GUMA participants in a boutique within the luxury retailer’s building in Tumon. 

Still, Guzman says that collaboration remains weaved into this next chapter of the Makers Market.  “I want to give a shoutout to James Santos and DFS, and DFS’s support, because everything you see in this store was provided by DFS, and it was designed by James Santos, so it’s really beautiful," she said.

And with only days left before the market officially opens its doors to the public, Calvo Value Retail general manager Norma Villanueva says anticipation has been building, with GPO customers eager to see what’s in store.  “There’s been a lot of excitement the last week, as we took down the coverings on the windows and people got to see. People have actually been trying to come in even though we’re not open yet. We’re thankful to GUMA for trusting us with this project and very excited to be supporting the local entrepreneur," she said.

And support for the local entrepreneur remains strong, as GUMA continues its Incubator Program, with more products unique to Guam set to hit the scene in the future. 

In the meantime, the soft opening of the GUMA Makers Market at GPO is slated for Friday, March 27, at 4:30 pm, followed by the official grand opening on Saturday, march 28th.  The store will be open daily from 10 am- 9 pm. 

So whether you’re shopping locally or just exploring, there’s definitely a little something for everyone.