In episode 251 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Katie Harnetiaux, global head of Amazon Handmade, a shop on Amazon.com featuring handcrafted goods from local artisans. Listen in as Harnetiaux discusses why the Amazon Handmade shop was created as part of the business five years ago, its international expansion, and the types of products customers can find in the shop. She explains the vetting process behind Amazon Handmade's selected artisans, the customer experience that shoppers can expect, and how the shop is curating localized products so consumers can support artists local to their region. Harnetiaux shares why Amazon Handmade has experienced a surge in artisan sellers during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as increased demand for local products from new and returning customers, and what she sees looking ahead to keep Amazon's artisan shop growing.

Katie Harnetiaux is the global head of Amazon Handmade, the online store for unique, handcrafted items from makers and artisans around the world. Prior to joining Amazon in 2017, Katie held senior positions at Starbucks Corporation, beginning as the director of marketing for Teavana. Prior to joining Starbucks, Katie held senior leadership positions with marketing communication firms and global advertising agencies working with clients as diverse as Philips Sonicare and Zoom Whitening, AmericanWest Bank, Avista Utilities, and PetSmart. Katie currently serves an advocate and mentor for Women in Business.