Etsy announced that it’s launching a pilot program that will alert shoppers on their mobile device that an Etsy seller they like is selling at a local event.

“Etsy Local push notifications are a new way for Etsy sellers and buyers to connect locally and in-person,” a spokesperson for Etsy said in an email. “It connects sellers participating in fairs and markets to shoppers in their area; shoppers can meet and buy from sellers in-person, supporting both the Etsy community and their own local economies.”

Sellers can add the events and markets they’ll be participating in via Etsy.com/Local. Shoppers who are within 5 miles (based on their shipping zip code), and have favorited their shop, favorited an item, or purchased from that Etsy seller, will receive a notification about a day in advance.

Notifications will be sent to a select group of shoppers through the newest version of the Etsy app on Android and iOS during the pilot phase.

“Etsy Local is another way that Etsy is helping sellers grow in all aspects of their businesses, both in the online and offline worlds,” the spokesperson said. “This August, our new wholesale platform launched out of beta, offering sellers a convenient way to sell directly to retailers and have their designs carried in brick-and-mortar stores, such as independent boutiques. In October, Etsy launched the Sell on Etsy card reader as a way to help sellers manage their multi-channel businesses in a way that integrates seamlessly with their online shops.”

35% of US-based Etsy sellers sell at craft fairs, according to the company, so the new feature should prove to be a valuable one.

Image via Etsy