Things Jamaican™

Brief History

The name Things Jamaican™ has been synonymous over the years with quality Jamaican-made art and craft products. Established in the 1960’s by the then government and the Social Development Commission, the main purpose was to bring structure to the craft industry in Jamaica. Its main functions were to:

Re-organise craft development in Jamaica

Promote the craft sector through research, design and marketing of high quality Jamaican hand-made products for both the local and tourist markets

Operate as a commercially viable entity. To this end a training center was established at Bumper Hall on Spanish Town Road which housed six (6) productions units with a focus on wood, pewter, straw, leather, weaving and ceramics. From this facility local artisans were trained in these six primary areas and production output to the market was greatly improved, whilst providing income for these persons.

Over time, however, the Bumper Hall operations closed down. In 1996 the JAMPRO Productivity Centre embarked on opening Nanny’s Yard Retail outlet at Devon House, Kingston. This retail outlet showcased the best of Jamaican home, gift and craft items by Jamaican artisans presented in new and innovative ways to locals and overseas visitors. This outlet became a model for many other retail outlets locally which sought to promote products made in Jamaica in a new and refreshing way encompassing a total shopping experience and tantalizing all the senses.

Following the closure of the Things Jamaican™ company, the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC) was given the managerial responsibilities of the Things Jamaican brand in April 2001 by ministerial decision and Things Jamaican was reborn. The Jamaica Business Development Centre, now Jamaica Business Development Corporation, is one of the country’s key agencies that facilitate the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Jamaica.

JBDC, under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries fosters sustainable development of MSMEs by offering a host of services to its clients. These include, but are certainly not limited to, marketing and retailing services offered through the Things Jamaican chain of stores, expos, tradeshows and promotions. These services provide some producers with a marketing outlet that they would not necessarily have access to or to additional market access. For more information visit us at www.jbdc.net.

The “new” Things Jamaican™

Today, under the management of the JBDC, the “new” Things Jamaican™ has stayed true to promoting craft development in Jamaica and to showcasing and retailing the best and highest quality gift and craft items. Promoting and building “brand Jamaica” is our main aim. In light of the increased competition from foreign made merchandise branded ‘Jamaica’ or ‘Made in Jamaica’, Things Jamaican™ stores retail exclusive authentic locally made products, primarily handmade by artisans using mainly local material. Over the past nine years Things Jamaican™ has established itself as one of the largest purchasers, distributors and promoters of authentic Jamaican products of the highest quality. Things Jamaican currently markets products on behalf of over 400 active suppliers island wide through our chain of three (3) locations and e-commerce website:

Norman Manley International Airport
Devon House
JBDC Corporate

The headquarters, warehouse and distribution facility of the holding company, JBDC, is located at 14 Camp Road, Kingston 4

All our products speak to an authentic Jamaican experience. The stores offer a collection of products influenced by Jamaican music, culture and history. Our range of products cover 8 main categories – Aromatherapy, Entertainment, Fashion, Fashion Accessories, Food, Home, Packages and souvenirs. Emphasis is placed on products suited to the diaspora, vacationers, travellers and locals who want a unique “piece of Jamaica”.

Of special note is the category FIWI Tings which features JBDC branded lines to promote micro firms through collective branding, clustering and value chain development projects. This enables the firms to benefit from development partnerships under brands developed and supported by JBDC offering product development and technical support that enable the movement ‘From Concept to Market’ for clients who may otherwise not have been able to develop these products on their own. The brands currently featured are Jamaica Harvest (Gluten Free and agro processed products) and Irie Magic (casual fashion and souvenirs).

Melting Pot Of Authentic Jamaican Creations

E-Commerce

Delivering world class customer service, with a unique Jamaican flair, it currently features eight (8) major product categories, namely: Aromatherapy, Fashion and Accessories, Home Accents, Nyammings (Food), Literature, Kids Things, Fi Wi Tings (JBDC owned brands) and Yaad Tings (must have for all Jamaican shoppers).