AI inspired UK alternative to Etsy launches

A new marketplace where you can buy handmade gifts from independent crafters and designers across the UK has officially launched. 

Crafters Market was created during the lockdown period in 2021 by its founders David Pottrell and Holly Woodruff as they believe many crafters are growing frustrated with the fees associated with selling online at existing platforms. David and Holly are independent crafters themselves and wanted to bring a fresh new marketplace that is fair and equitable for both buyers and sellers. 

Following organic growth and a complete rebuild of the entire platform using artificial intelligence extensively, they are now ready to go to market.  Since launching, the business has had over 1000 independent crafters sign-up and is seeing strong visitor numbers, which are growing month on month. David and Holly are keen to take advantage of this growth and start to scale the business.  Data shows that the global handicrafts market is a rapidly expanding, multibillion-dollar industry, with estimates valuing it at over USD 739bn in 2024 and it is projected to reach nearly USD 1trn by 2030. 

In the UK, craft sales exceeded £3bn in 2019, up from £883m in 2006. Approximately 37.7m people in the UK buy craft objects according to the most recent data. The market has experienced a four-fold increase in the volume of craft objects bought annually between 2006 and 2020, rising from 5.6m to 24.7m items. According to the Crafts Council, 10.3m Brits are buying craft online – a figure that has more than tripled over the last decade and projections show that the market is only set to grow further in the future. 

David comments: “The market has huge potential and is growing faster than ever and we feel like this is our moment to grasp the nettle. The burgeoning desire from consumers to buy sustainably, the emergence of more people having multiple income streams and the soaring cost of living requires the market to respond and provide marketplaces like this.” 

David comments further that the growth of AI has been a huge enabler for the business: “The entire platform was rebuilt using AI extensively – from development workflows to content and automation. This shows what AI can do, and we will continue to lean into this technology, to allow us to scale quickly.” 

David also works for an IT and tech advisory business, where he is Head of Digital. He is enthusiastic about the future of the business and believes a UK focused alternative to established players like Etsy is required to maintain authenticity and a strong connection between independent crafters and makers and buyers.