Written by Bec Loades in News on the 30th November 2015

I really am a massive admirer of Shinola, not only because of the quality of their beautiful leather products and watches, but because of the story behind the company and their work ethos. We have frequently featured their products on MWS but Shinola have now created a concept where they are focusing on other local brands. Shinola are striving to turn what was known as 'Cyber Monday' into 'Makers Monday' and it is taking place today (30th November). They are encouraging consumers to forget the 'Cyber Monday' culture and look closer to home.

The key point about Makers Monday is to support local craftsmen across the globe. Shinola are very much about promoting themselves as a wholly American brand and stress the massive importance of the economy in Detroit. They have managed to bring manufacturing back to the American city which makes their story a truly fascinating one. Due to their success, they want to persuade other nations to invest in homegrown talent and are asking for consumers to invest in British products on Monday. To qualify to be included on the list of craftsmen featured in this campaign, each business must manufacture over 50% of their goods locally.

Shinola have a specific associated website makersmonday.com, particularly for this day, where you can check out various local artisans in the UK and the story behind what they make. Shinola as a company really focus on the community of people behind their brand as they are the reason they have achieved what they have done in the last few years. They want the consumer to get to know the faces that create the product and therefore the website has a full biography available of each business. Have a look at Bellerby & Co who hand make traditional globes, a surprisingly challenging and unique craft! There is also London based brand, Made by 680, who specialise in super stylish, mid-century modern furniture.

Not only will you be able to discover brands online but you are also able to meet them face to face in store. Live demonstrations will be taking place today in Shinola's first London store on Newburgh Street. If you haven't been to their store yet, this is the perfect excuse to pop in and take a look.

Craftsmen around the globe are celebrated today supported by the new 2015 Shinola Makers Monday campaign.