At Destash MKE, there are chipped vases, misprinted totes, surplus crafting supplies and other imperfect items galore. What you won’t find at this annual market are the same old wares these local makers sell everywhere else.
That’s because Destash is all about dealing flawed, experimental, out-of-season or otherwise unsold products at lower prices. Organizer Kamryn Boelk says it’s a way for artisans to make money while offloading inventory during the slow season.
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“Some things that people sell are perfectly great things,” she adds. “They’ve just been sitting around for a while and haven’t found the perfect person to take it home yet.”
Over 100 vendors participate, and they often get creative. Some sell mystery bags of miscellaneous goodies. Others fashion new items from old materials, such as Fern & Nettle’s soap balls made from leftover ends, or Big White Yeti candles with one-off or experimental scents like Dirt. “It’s an extravaganza of unique finds,” Boelk says.
Discounts typically land at 40% off and higher, but Boelk says it’s nothing like a rummage sale. “There’s still a sense of pride behind these pieces.”
The blend of deals and handmade charm keeps shoppers coming. During last year’s market, Boelk says “we actually shut down Highway 43 for half an hour – there were so many people trying to get off the highway.” This year, Destash is introducing timed entry to alleviate the eager crowds.
“We call it our customer appreciation event,” Boelk says. “We give away free drinks to the first 200 people through the door. There are little thank-you totes that we usually give away each year. … I like to think that it’s more than just the deal. There’s a heart to it.”
Destash MKE is on March 1 at Bavarian Bierhaus.
