The Garner Revitalization Association is offering local artists and entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their products during the holiday shopping season. The association is “popping up” the Main Street Market in an empty storefront on Main Street during the town’s holiday events this weekend.
The market will be located at 102 E. Main St. It will be open on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the Light Up Main Tree Lighting Celebration. The market will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4p.m., which coincides with the Garner Christmas Parade that begins at 2 p.m.
Fourteen local vendors will offer handmade and unique products and foods ideal for holiday entertaining and gift giving. Some of these vendors are well-established companies who don’t have a traditional retail presence while others are start-ups evaluating the market before launching or growing their businesses. The market also provides an opportunity for Garner area residents to shop locally during the holidays.
Garner’s downtown district currently has few retail businesses. Plans are underway by the association and the town to increase visibility and accessibility to the area to encourage small business growth and investment.
“There are many talented and creative local business people who are working and selling primarily outside of Garner”, said John Hodges, Executive Director of the Garner Revitalization Association. “We hope the market will give these businesses an opportunity to increase their visibility at home and in turn help us grow our retail base. One of them may even be the next permanent tenant in the store space.”
Main Street Market will include products such as ornaments, pottery, jewelry, gourmet foods, dog treats, Garner merchandise and more. The market will also feature model train displays by the Neuse River Valley Model Railway Club. For more information and a complete vendor listing, visit here.
