Unveiling the Local MRKT Story: How They Select Vendors and Build Community
Richard, the co-founder of Local MRKT, a Toronto-based pop-up organizer, shares with us the story behind their strong vendor community and sheds light on how they choose vendors for their events.
Local MRKT is not your usual pop-up market you participate in and forget. It's more like a close-knit neighbourhood of vendors who support each other, run by a dedicated husband-and-wife team who started out as vendors themselves over a decade ago.
Richard and Dayna began their journey in the pop-up industry when they both had their own businesses – one selling incense and wellness products, and the other selling apparel – back in 2016. They soon noticed several gaps in the industry related to events organization, marketing, and vendor fees. So, they decided to do something about it. Fast forward to today, and they're quickly filling up vendor spots with a waiting list of vendors eager to join their community and next events.
As long-time residents of South Etobicoke, they knew there was a need for retail space for local brands in their area, and that's the community they set out to build.
With their experience and insights, they launched Local MRKT, which will mark its third anniversary this June. With over 20 successful events, including pop-ups and networking events for vendors, they've mastered the art of not just hosting one-off markets, but creating a supportive community for vendors.
We asked Richard to sum up their events in three words and tell us what newcomers can expect:
"Carefully curated, family-friendly, and fun."
Their highly curated approach means they turn away more vendors than they accept. Why? Because they want to give every vendor, whether new to the industry or not, a chance to shine without overcrowding the market with similar products. New vendors who make the cut benefit from exposure to more experienced vendors, creating an environment for learning and growth.
So, WHO gets in?
Firstly, vendors who show they're serious about their business. Local MRKT checks out applicants' social media presence to see if they're active and engaged with their audience. (So if your brand hasn't posted in a while, we encourage you to start sharing again). Secondly, they aim for diversity in their market, avoiding too much competition in any one category. By selecting brands that have focused product offerings that fall under one category, they ensure a balanced and supportive environment. And, the good news is that they accept both new and veteran vendors as they know how challenging it is when starting out and applying to markets can be intimidating.
With plenty of experience under their belts and a thriving local community, we wanted to know if Local MRKT could highlight any one brand of their choice. And they did.
Unsalted Honey Jewelry, founded by Tiffany Turchyn, had their hearts. Her punctuality at the events, the way she engages with customers, and her remarkable table set up stands out in the markets! Check out their Instagram to see more: @unsaltedhoney
If you enjoyed this article, show some love to Local MRKT, Unsalted Honey, and Clover Spaces by leaving a green heart on their latest social media posts!
Clover Spaces emphasizes the critical need to authenticate pop-up organizers before initiating any payments. If you are uncertain, feel free to reach out to us at contact@cloverspaces.com with a subject line “Verification Request” for assistance in ensuring the organizer's legitimacy. Your trust and security are paramount to us and we're here to help you navigate your pop-up journey with confidence.
