Made in Washington Celebrates 40 Years at Pike Place Market

Tucked away in Post Alley in the center of Seattle’s beloved Pike Place Market lies a gem that has celebrated Washington State’s rich culture and artisanal creativity for four decades. As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of Made In Washington, we take a journey through time to honor the store that began with a dream and blossomed into a must-visit destination for locals and visitors.

The story of Made In Washington begins, fittingly, on a classic American adventure—a road trip. Founders Gillian and Jack Mathews were on their way to visit friends in a neighboring state when they stumbled upon a store that celebrated that region’s local culture and products.

They were inspired by the idea and wondered why Washington State didn’t have something similar. This curiosity sparked lively discussions all the way back to Seattle, culminating in the opening of the first Made In Washington store in February 1984, nestled in Pike Place Market’s historic Post Alley.

What started with a modest collection of fifty high-quality products crafted by local makers, artists, craftspeople, entrepreneurs, and small businesses quickly grew as the Mathews began collaborating with over 200 makers from across the state. This innovative approach not only supported local artisans but also provided customers with unique, thoughtfully curated products that showcased the best of Washington State.

Made In Washington didn’t stop at just one store. By 1992, it had expanded to five retail locations, each carrying the spirit of the original Pike Place Market store. The turn of the millennium brought even more opportunities to share Washington’s treasures with the world, as the Made In Washington online store launched in 2000, allowing a global audience to experience the state’s creative bounty.

The company continued to innovate, introducing a Limited Edition Holiday Ornament in 2004—a hand-blown glass piece that quickly became a cherished annual tradition. In 2010, the Design Your Own Gift Box service launched, offering personalized gifting options that celebrated the individuality of each recipient. More recently, the Personal Shopper Service, introduced in 2020, and the rebranding and new website in 2022.

Today, Made In Washington stands as a testament to the passion and creativity of Washington’s makers. With stores throughout the Puget Sound region and a robust online presence, Made In Washington continues to celebrate and promote the state’s unique culture and artisanal products. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or colleagues, every item tells a story and embodies the pride of being Made In Washington. Visit their events calendar to see upcoming Maker Spotlights.

Here’s to many more years of celebrating the rich bounty of Washington State’s food, art, and lifestyle. Happy 40th Anniversary, Made In Washington! Thank you for being part of our story.