Weekend marketplace
If you build it, they will come; at least, that’s what Jayn Courchaine is hoping.
About five years ago, she ordered a kit and built it a 12,250-square foot warehouse. For the first four years, a handful of businesses was housed there.
On May 15, Courchaine and partner Tanna Thornton decided to follow their dream, and Eden’s Off Barker Weekend Market, 3522 N. Eden Road, was born. “We want to create the biggest permanent flea market in Washington,” said Thornton, who pulled up her Seattle roots in order to do so.
In the beginning, the vendors trickled in, but through word of mouth, the building is now almost filled to capacity with 41 of the 48 spaces filled. “When it becomes full,” said Thornton, “we will add another building.” Courchaine also owns the adjacent two-acre lot.
Vendors also can set up their wares outside in the spring and summer.
The sellers have a wide array of items. There is such a diversity of commodities that it would take a visitor at least two “go arounds” to see it all.
On any given weekend, you can watch crafters in action, quilting, knitting, crocheting or beading.
Tony Newman makes Huckleberry Specialties from a kitchen in Sandpoint.
Ray Foreman brings his handmade birdhouses and trains from his home in Rathdrum. If business picks up, he plans on moving closer to Spokane Valley in the spring.
Stamping and scrapbooking supplies are for sale. There are bath products, Avon, and one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Alongside the handmade items are things new and used, imports and antiques, toys, dolls, collectibles, wildlife statues, swords and knifes.
Scott Howard, computer specialist, has been at Eden’s since it opened. He has a small office where he fixes and teaches about computers. He gets business, he said, from walk-ins, other vendors, word of mouth, and the sign on the door.
Husband and wife, Curt and Karen Oldfield, in true barter fair fashion, sell items that have passed through many hands. They have only been at Eden’s for one weekend, but they would like to become regulars. “A place like this is needed in the area,” said Curt Oldfield. “It’s got possibilities.”
Although the market is only open on the weekends, Thornton keeps busy during the week with upkeep and selling for clients on eBay. She is also working on reaching out to nonprofit organizations. “We have free space available (by appointment) for nonprofit organizations to do fund-raising.”
Already, Girl Scout Troop No. 52 is selling things to raise funds for a trip to Europe, and Dick Baker is selling baked items for the North Star Senior Center, which has supported itself for 30 years. He also sells books and musical instruments.
Many of the vendors are looking for a permanent home, while others come and go with the seasons. All agree that, in general, cities are fickle and there is no telling whether or not this will survive. Some go month to month, others, weekend to weekend, but all seem to enjoy the experience of the small-town atmosphere. “The vendors in the building are what make this business,” said Thornton, “The credit goes to them.”