St. Pete plays host to a plethora of makers’ markets. There are so many, in fact, that sometimes it’s hard to keep up. Check in with us monthly to learn more about the St. Pete market scene, find upcoming events and show your local support by shopping small.
Many of our local brick-and-mortar businesses recognize the value in continuing to participate in local community events, including markets, even after they have established a physical retail location. From establishing new customers to driving foot traffic back into their shops, business owners showcasing their wares at our local markets find a variety of benefits to stepping out of their shops, and onto the streets.
Gray Space
Gordon and Jamie Hall, owners of men’s clothing boutique Gray Space, are celebrating the one-year anniversary of their physical location this month. However, the duo started out by selling their goods at local markets.
“We wanted to get our concept in front of as many potential customers as possible, which we thought would assist with market research as well, no pun intended,” Jamie said. Since opening their doors, they continue to participate in pop-up markets throughout town, including St. Pete Moonlight Market, Localtopia, Westfest, and more.
According to Jamie, there are many reasons they keep coming back to the markets: “We find that markets are a fun way to meet new customers and catch up with existing customers. From a business standpoint, there is more often a sense of urgency at markets. From a personal perspective, it allows us to interact and share our love of the Burg with out-of-towners. Finally, as small business owners, it gives us a platform to interact and share products from our store with a larger target audience.”
Blossom and Shine
Blossom and Shine owner, Julie Dye, calls her participation in local markets her business’ “bread and butter”. The jewelry maker finds different audiences at different locations, noting most of her customers originally find her brand at a market, and many of her on-the-spot buyers are tourists.
Julie has noticed that market participation often leads to more online sales afterwards, and that locals are most likely to visit the studio. Markets create opportunities to connect with shoppers, to invite them to visit her studio for a more one-to-one experience, and to discuss her custom work.
Blossom and Shine celebrates one year in their brick-and-mortar studio this month. The jewelry vendor can be found every week at the Saturday Morning Market. Julie’s studio is open to visitors by appointment, and also each month during the Second Saturday ArtWalk.
Black Crow Coffee
Black Crow Coffee Co. has been a presence in St. Pete since their cafe opened in September of 2015. They started out in a physical shop, and have made community involvement a priority since opening.
Deana Hawk, owner, feels strongly that it’s “important to see and know the owners”. Deana and her partner and coffee roaster, Greg Bauman, are the faces market goers will see when they encounter them at an event, not staff. Their participation in community events is typically tied to an opportunity to give back, and not for profit.
According to Deana, part of Black Crow’s focus is to serve the community, and “the community is beyond the doors of my business”. She said that the rewards of participating in local events include: meeting tourists, establishing new customers, receiving feedback from regulars about their products and the shop, opportunity to connect with other business owners, a push to step outside of her own comfort zone, and the affirmations about how Black Crow Coffee is impacting St. Pete. They can be found regularly at the Corey Avenue Sunday Market on St. Pete Beach and at Localtopia.
If you miss these vendors at the markets, you can visit them in their store fronts: Gray Space is located at 189 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N., Blossom and Shine is located at 10 5th St. N., and Black Crow Coffee Co. is located at 722 2nd St. N. (all are in St. Petersburg).
Market Mafia is a resource connecting residents and visitors throughout Greater Tampa Bay with local handcraft markets. To find local happenings and #HitTheMarket, visit www.MarketMafia.com.
