Sign InImmersive Innovation: How 3D Technology is Transforming the Manchester Craft Market
At the intersection of creativity and technology, the Manchester Craft Market and Jill Kyle Photography have joined forces to bring a beloved destination into the digital age. Through a stunning Matterport 3D virtual tour, visitors can now explore the vibrant marketplace, located inside the Mall of New Hampshire, from anywhere. Featuring over 250 local makers, the Manchester Craft Market has long been a hub for creativity — and now, thanks to photographer Jill Kyle, that experience extends far beyond the walls of this popular spot.
To learn more, we spoke with Jill Kyle, owner of Jill Kyle Photography, and Jessica Moores, owner of the Manchester Craft Market, about what inspired this immersive project and how 3D technology is reshaping the way people connect with local businesses.
What inspired the 3D capture of this space?
Jill Kyle: As both a craft vendor at the Manchester Craft Market and a Matterport service provider, I immediately saw the benefit of connecting the in-person store with a virtual shopping experience. I had previously captured several retail spaces for market analysis and renovation research, but this project felt like the next step — using 3D technology not just for documentation, but to create an immersive, shoppable experience.
I love how visitors can wander through the 3D tour, discover products, and then click directly to purchase them online. When I explained the idea to Jessica, the Store owner, she instantly saw the value too, and I was thrilled to bring that vision to life.
Jessica Moores: We wanted to bring the true Manchester Craft Market to life for people online since we often hear, “Photos do not do this place justice”. The market is home to over 250 local artists, authors, and creative small businesses, and the 3D tour allows visitors to experience the space as if they were walking through it in person. It was inspired by our desire to showcase the incredible variety, creativity, and community spirit that make the market special.
What are the 'must-sees' you want visitors to explore and why?
Jessica Moores: The individual vendor booths. Each [features] an individual artist who fills their space with their own handmade items. Check out the classroom space too, where workshops and events offer a chance to build community, encourage creativity, and provide an experience instead of just offering retail.
What’s the one thing you want visitors to take away after exploring your 3D tour?
Jessica Moores: That shopping small is impactful. Every booth you see represents a dream, a local maker, and a story worth supporting. We want visitors to feel inspired, connected, and excited to support local, whether in person or online.
What are the benefits of Matterport digital twins?
Jessica Moores:
It provides more than just a social media view of our space. Customers can “try before they visit,” see what we offer, know [where] to go in the store to find something to save time, and browse from home, making us available 24/7. It’s also great from an admin side, where I can update which spaces are available, making them searchable for new local artists to choose their space, or so I can direct current artists to which spaces are available for them to upgrade to whether I'm working from home or they are."
Do you have any plans to capture more 3D experiences?
Jessica Moores: This will be regularly maintained to keep up with our always-changing artistic community.
Jill Kyle: I’ve been a Matterport service provider since 2018, starting primarily with real estate clients, and have since expanded into construction, renovation, insurance, and vacation rentals. I’ve also captured several retail spaces for market analysis and renovation research.
The Manchester Craft Market, however, was the first active retail store I scanned with the goal of directly linking the 3D tour to shoppable products. It really highlighted the potential for immersive e-commerce.
As an architectural photographer, adding Matterport services was a natural next step, and I plan to continue expanding this side of my business. I look forward to creating even more 3D experiences across a variety of industries.
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