The Covid-19 pandemic that upended lives around the world proved to be the inspiration for Vic Tipper to start what has now become the fastest growing local indoor market chain in the greater Calgary area – The Hidden Gem. “My home renovation busines lost four major contracts in the first wave of the pandemic. And with six young kids, my wife, Brandy, and I knew we had to do something to support the family,” Tipper says.
He started out making outdoor furniture from disused wooden pallets and selling them on the lawn in front of his home just outside of Okotoks. Its success took them by surprise, and they soon realized they needed a bigger place to sell his recycled wood furniture. And then it hit him, maybe others going through similar circumstances can benefit from a shared space that they can sell their wares from. Thus, was born The Hidden Gem.
The first store opened in Okotoks, 20 minutes south of Calgary, on July 1, 2020, and the second store in Kensington, just outside downtown Calgary, five months later. “A third is opening soon,” Vic tells R+D.
The Okotoks store has around 3,500 square-feet of space with over 100 vendors, while the Kensington branch is at 1,500 square-feet with 60 sellers. They both offer some of the most unique, artisan, handmade products in town with everything from designer jewelry, home décor, art, clothing, fresh food and more.
This family owned and operated market was always meant to support local makers and artisans sell their handcrafted goods. “Almost all the vendors we have share a similar story as mine, many have found a second career here.”