SACO — Handmade and artisan items continue to have commercial appeal, as consumers seek out products that are unique and made locally.

Etsy, an online marketplace focused on handmade and vintage items, reported a more than 20 percent increase in gross merchandise sales in the third quarter of 2018, compared to the third quarter of the previous year.

Holiday craft fairs, weekly farmers market and the like continue to be popular as well.

Local economic development group Saco Main Street is seeking crafter and artists looking to try a temporary space that’s a little more permanent than a weekend craft fair or farmers market, and test the waters in retail in an upcoming makers market.

“It’s a unique opportunity,” said Saco Main Street Executive Director Rob Biggs. “We can build an interesting community of creativeness.”

Biggs said there are two vacant spaces on the first floor of the Atkinson Building at 209 Main St., behind the Saco Main Street office. Each space is about 900 square feet, said Biggs.

After discussions with the building owner, Saco Main Street has decided to create a pop up makers market in these spaces.

Under the proposed plan, each room would be shared by two or three artisans, who would receive discounted rent for a couple of months.

Saco Main Street would help publicize the makers market, but crafters would be responsible for staffing the market and establishing regular hours, said Biggs.

Saco Main Street is seeking applications for those interested in being part of the makers market, which would likely open in the spring. For more information or an application, call 286-3546.

Saco Main Street opened Saco Scoop in the building last summer and developed a loyal fan base of customers coming into the shop for ice cream and other goods. Biggs said he’s hoping that the makers market will continue to get people into the city’s downtown.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 780-9015 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.