Indianapolis

There are a lot of things you expect to see at the mall during the holiday shopping season. Crowds of people, elaborate window displays, Salvation Army bell-ringers, a curated selection of products from local designers and makers…

Whoa now, you might be saying. Locally-made goods at the mall? In downtown Indianapolis, it’s actually true:

Outpost is a seasonal pop-up shop featuring six Indianapolis brands. All products in the store were designed, made, and/or printed in Indianapolis. People for Urban Progress and United State of Indiana each have a large range of products available, along with fair trade fashion from Liz Alig and locally-made apothecary products from Lux & Ivy. No. 18 Paper Co. and Quil Jewelry round out the store’s selections.

While not every item in the store was produced under what I’d call ethical conditions (I didn’t see any labels indicating a fair trade or sustainable origin for USI’s screenprinted apparel and chotchkes), many products do boast ethical or environmentally-friendly qualities like recycled materials or fair trade production.

In addition, Outpost offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with the makers and designers of the products. During my 30 minutes in the store I talked to representatives from three different brands—a fabric cutter for PUP, the designer and founder of No. 18 Paper Co., and a renaissance woman for USI. The brands staff the store in rotation, so when you stop in you’re likely to meet someone you can ask about the products’ origins and stories.

Outpost will be open until January 10 and is located on the second floor of Circle Centre Mall across from H&M. Check it out to learn more about what’s being created in Indianapolis and find a unique gift for your favorite hoosier.

How are you shopping locally this holiday season?