The Market: A Journey To Joy
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You probably remember Katie Thompson from one of last year’s features with Through Her Eyes Designs! She has been very busy since then, creating her brand new business in downtown Moline, The Market!
We were fortunate enough to get a little Q&A session with Katie!
This is what we learned:
What exactly is The Market?
THE Market is an indoor year-round marketplace for local makers, crafters and curators. It hosts 36 vendors under one roof for customers to shop and browse at any time. We staff THE Market which allows the vendors to continue to do their day-job or extra weekend events without taking on the overhead of a storefront
What sparked this specific idea?
The idea sparked from shopping a similar concept in Texas and my love for outdoor weekend markets. I love slowing down and spending the day shopping with my mom. I want people to be able to have that experience at any time!
What should locals know about The Market?
Locals should know that THE Market is ever-evolving. We listen to wants and wishes of the customers and vendors. We have so many exciting ideas for the future in regard to special events, giving back to the community, and for expansion to your shopping enjoyment. Locals should also know that THE Market was created for them! It is a place of homecoming and joy. It’s a place to shop local under one roof and to experience products you might not otherwise have found!
What types of vendors do you host?
We host a wealth of products and vendor types! I have been very careful to craft this shop so that everyone can find something and that there isn’t an overload of product duplication. We have sweet treats, body care products, home décor, candles and an extensive clothing boutique room. We also have smaller items to make it a one stop shop such as wrapping paper and cards. We also have live plants and fresh bouquets. You can truly come to THE Market and get everything you need for gift giving (or self-giving!)
Are you currently looking for vendors? How long are the terms?
We are currently not seeking vendors. Our space is filled and starting to spill over (which is so exciting and fun). We sign 6-month contracts with each vendor!
Until space becomes available vendors who are interested in future opportunities can email me at [email protected] with photos of their products, a description of their business and any links they have for their website or social media.
Where can vendors go to contact you about occupying a space at The Market?
The Quad Cities is a mecca for not only the larger cities but also all the outlying towns. It’s easy to navigate and the true gift of being in the QC is the number of people who truly desire to support local, small businesses! We feel that we have your best gift buying experience yet it’s the best gift that locals are shopping local!
What is your favorite part about having The Market located in the Quad Cities?
Our space within the QC gives shoppers and visitors a unique experience in seeing a building that is viewed by many (from the road) but only seen inside by few… until now! The Spotlight Theatre hosts over 24 performances throughout the year so in our building you can see a show, shop, and enjoy your time. We also are right off Interstate 74. The bridge work doesn’t scare us and shouldn’t scare you! The detour on Iowa-bound 74 leads you right to our building!
What are your hopes/visons for The Market for the future?
My hope and dreams for THE Market in the future is to host major community fundraisers, expand our classroom space and class offerings, and to listen to the community so that we meet the wants and wishes of the customers! We want you to find everything you need here!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Come to THE Market: A Journey to Joy. Joy is my hometown and this project was truly based on the thought of coming home. I welcome you to come home and experience THE Market from the tastes to the scents and everything in between!
Thank you so much, Katie, for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and your business a little better! We wish you the best of luck in the future and can’t wait to see you and your business continue to flourish!
We encourage everyone to help support our local businesses by simply choosing to follow them on social media and engage with their posts; like them, love them, and share them with your friends and family!
You have no idea, as a business owner, what this does to boost visibility of the business and the morale of the owners as well! So go and show some love! We appreciate the fact that you take the time to do so!
If you have a business in mind that you would like us to feature, please feel free to fill out our online form found here!
