Spokane Public Market worth the wait

When the Spokane Public Market finally opened in June of this year, the community was waiting at the table and ready to dig in. “We got to the point, where it was kind of a ‘build it and they will come,’” said Eric Johnson, president of the Spokane Public Market board and owner/broker, Coldwell Banker Northwest Group. “It’s really been a community-driven project.” When the year-round Market officially celebrated its presence with a Grand Opening September 24, strategically scheduled upon the conclusion of the Second Avenue construction, the attendance shattered all records. “We lost count at 2,500 customers…the previous record was 1,800,” said Anderson. In its location at W. 24 Second Avenue, between Browne and Division Streets, the 21,000 square foot renovated warehouse currently holds up to approximately 60 vendors on its days of operation, Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the number of vendors each day ranges from 30-50, depending on the day. Dennis Frederick, Market manager, says that number will almost double when they’re able to open up Phase II of the building upon installation of an indoor fire-safety sprinkler system. “Of course since we’re a non-profit, it all depends on fundraising and community support,” he said. Recently, Oct. 27-29, the Market hosted Apple Craze, featuring cooking classes, trick or treating and a pumpkin patch for the kids. Similar festivities are planned for the Christmas Season, beginning Dec. 1. “It’s still in the planning stages, but we do know that in addition to lots of decorations, there will be music, a visiting Santa, a raffle, and so much more,” said Carine Mossay, a vendor and co-owner of Avignon Essentials Natural Skincare and Cleaning Products. “We also want to give back to the community so we’ll be decorating two Christmas trees to be on display at the Market through most of December, then we’ll donate them to two needy families the week of Christmas.” Mossay owns a cleaning business as well, with partner Pam Bauman, and said after researching for over a year on how they could be more environmentally conscious with the products that they used, they decided to create their own line. For many of the vendors, this has been an incredible opportunity to finally erect a “storefront” for their business. At only $35 a day, vendors can afford to get the exposure they need, all year long, to boost awareness of their product and bring in profit. “It gives us the chance to present our product and really see where it goes,” said Mossay. In addition to the fresh produce and array of food items including fresh fish, meat, breads, cheeses, coffees, chocolates, and bakery goodies, there is also artisan jewelry and furniture, fresh cut flowers, and soap, as well as services, such as chiropractic, massage, and garden design consulting. The Market shares the building with Sun People Dry Goods and the Marketplace Wine Bar and is really the hub to the burgeoning neighborhood—often referred to now as the “SoDo District” —of small businesses and boutiques, many which have sprouted in the past year or two. “We really are a one-stop shop with so much variety – all handmade or manufactured local – in such a great atmosphere, where it’s warm, year round. You can easily park and shop and have a great time,” said Mossay. Parking is available on the west and north side of the building, as well as on the south side of Second Avenue for only $1, which can be reimbursed with any Market purchase. Thomas Speight is another entrepreneur that has taken advantage of such a great venue to open his business, Spokane Cheesecakes, literally on the day of the Market’s Grand Opening. “The great thing about [the Public Market] is that you can start a small business for a fraction of what it would typically cost to have your own storefront,” said Speight, who started the business with his wife, Gillian Speight. “It’s really a place where the community can interact with regional food and farm producers, artisans and other unique small businesses, which produce products that celebrate the creativity and vitality of the Northwest.” Starting in the spring, Johnson says the Market should be able to move to four days a week operating on Sunday as well. “In order to be open four days, we have to have plumbed water to all vendors,” said Johnson. In the meantime, one of the primary focuses will be on fundraising. “It’s been one of our biggest challenges,” said Johnson. “While we’ve had incredible donations from special interest groups and the bigger companies in town that have really made this happen, we’ve still got a lot more work to do. However, I really think it’s exceeded our expectations. For being basically a brand new business, we’re pretty impressed.”