Love Market draws local-loving shoppers to Mic Mac Mall

The “Love Market” drew a steady crowd of shoppers to Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth, N.S., on Sunday.

More than 40 local vendors gathered to showcase unique items that you won’t find on the shelves of a big box store.

“It’s a valentine themed market, so we have a lot of vendors showing their valentines gifts,” said Courtney Ferguson, the Love Market director. “But there’s also a lot of goods here that vendors make all year round.”

It’s the fourth year for the Love Market and another sold out show says Ferguson. More then 40 local vendors, most of them women entrepreneurs, displayed one of a kind items including jewellery, baked goods, houseplants and other unique finds.

“We tend to see around two thousand people come through from open to close,” said Ferguson.

For local retailers, it’s a place to sell, network and grow their brand.

“I think it’s a great way to network with the community,” said Ferguson. “You never know who you are going to meet at the market.”

Many of the businesses started with an online store, which make live events more special and offers vendors a chance to stand behind their goods and meet customers face-to-face.

“it’s awesome to pop-up and bring your small business here,” said Kayla Comeau who runs The Sun Porch. “People are usually really supportive and they like to see it all.”

Vendors say they recognize that shoppers are watching their money and being more intentional about supporting local businesses.

“My first customer that I had this morning came and said he likes idea of being able to support local and local artists that are creating locally,” said Deon Thomas who runs Authentic Expressions of Art and specializes in hand made and leather jewellery.

The Love Market is put on by the Mom Market Collective of Halifax which organizes other markers throughout the year. Ferguson says vendor spots keep selling out and shoppers are showing up in droves.

Ferguson said the collaboration is a win-win for the vendors and Mic Mac Mall as a way to bring more traffic inside.

“Mic Mac Mall is so awesome to work with, they really support the community and they like hosting small business markets in here,” said Ferguson.

The next Mom Market pop up is planned for around easter.

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