Community News
The Caribbean MRKT, hosted by Local MRKT; It’s all about the thrill of discovery!
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
There are rows upon rows of vibrant stalls, each brimming with handmade treasures, delicious treats, and one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s like stepping into a world where creativity knows no bounds! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a buzz of energy – laughter, the aroma of natural body oils and incense, and the tantalizing scent of street food. It’s a feast for the senses! I couldn’t wait to wander through, chatting with artisans about their craft, learning the stories behind each piece. Whether it’s a stunning piece of jewelry, a beautifully woven scarf, or a savory local delicacy, every item had a tale to tell.
The best part? Meeting fellow marketplace enthusiasts, sharing tips on the best finds, and maybe even stumbling upon something unexpected that becomes your new favourite. It’s all about the thrill of discovery!
Outdoor vendor marketplaces have become increasingly popular due to their unique blend of: vibrant atmosphere, community engagement, and diverse offerings. These events provide a platform for: local artisans, farmers, and small businesses to showcase their products, creating a rich tapestry of goods and services that can’t be found in traditional retail spaces.
As a shopper, you have a chance to enjoy the open-air experience, where you can: connect with vendors, discover unique items, and support local economies. Additionally, these marketplaces often feature: live entertainment, food trucks, and interactive activities, making them a perfect outing for families and friends. The combination of fresh air, social interaction, and the opportunity to buy local and handmade products makes outdoor vendor marketplaces a cherished community event.
On Saturday, June 13th, 2024, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper team was invited to celebrate The Caribbean MRKT, hosted by Local MRKT. Dayna and Richard are the team behind Local MRKT, a pop of vendor series held mostly in South Etobicoke, and now expanding across the GTA. They are in their third year, with a few dozen events already in the books, and another dozen planned for the remainder of 2024.
I had a chance to catch up with Richard, and he openly shared some of the struggles,and victories that himself and Dayna have faced curating Local MRKT pop up marketplaces.
“We have been vendors for a decade now,” Richard began. “After the pandemic, a lot of markets shut down, and we saw an opportunity and identified gaps in the marketplace industry. We started with vendor fees; we keep them affordable for our vendors. Usually, it falls into the $100.00 mark. We also wanted to focus on building the market into the community that we are in, and to make these marketplaces child friendly.”
“What kind of products and services can visitors expect to find at the Caribbean Marketplace,” I asked?
“Shea butter, patties, jewelry, crochet, artwork, custom apparel, candles. We have 42 vendors coming out, and 36 represent the Caribbean. We try to curate a good mix of vendors. We max out two to three vendors for each category, and we look at their social media presence. How invested are you in your product? We look at their market experience as well, and of course their price points.”
“What has been the most rewarding part of hosting the Caribbean Marketplace?”
“We have lived in Etobicoke our entire life, and we love the fact that we can showcase our roots, and Caribbean culture. Plus, we can provide this platform to Caribbean vendors.Our ultimate goal is building a strong vendor community, and eventually making this a street festival. We started with 15 vendors, and look at where we are now. Our second market was a failure, and if we had stopped there, we wouldn’t be where we are right now.”
“What do you think is the key to the success and longevity of the Caribbean Marketplace?”
“Our experience plays a huge role in this. We are not just a marketing company. We have a personal relationship with our vendors. We engage completely.”
I see nothing but success for this power duo. I look forward to their upcoming events, and don’t you worry community; we will be sure to keep you up to date.