Makers Market now open Downtown Wayne

Wayne Mayor John Rhaesa and Downtown Development Director Lori Gouin cut the ribbon on the new Wayne Makers Market.

By Sarah Shurge – The City of Wayne Downtown Development Authority (DDA) opened an exciting new experience for entrepreneurs in the City of Wayne.
The Downtown City of Wayne Makers Market is being operated by the DDA with the purpose of supporting small business, while also providing a unique shopping experience that draws shoppers into the Downtown.
“The whole idea behind this was giving an opportunity for makers in Wayne to grow their business. We [the DDA] hope they can make enough connections to create a customer-base and be able to open up their own business in the city,” said Lori Gouin, DDA Director.
The Downtown City of Wayne Makers Market opened on Thursday, November 11th, and is located at 34852 W. Michigan Avenue.
The 3,000 square-foot retail space has been converted into multiple spaces, which have been made available for individuals to rent for a reasonable monthly fee. The DDA originally planned on having only ten spots available for makers. However, due to popular demand, the Makers Market has 14 individual makers.
Handmade items available at the Makers Market include but are not limited to cocoa bombs, candles, lotions, custom ornaments, mini corn hole boards, Christmas wreaths, crystals, jewelry, and much more.
“It’s creating a destination in our downtown. This market is really pulling from a 30-mile-radius outside of the City of Wayne for people to come to our downtown looking for unique Christmas gifts,” said Gouin.
The Market is open on Thursday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday from Noon – 8 p.m., and Sunday Noon -5 p.m. The Market will run through the end of January. The DDA has the ability to extend the lease past January if the traffic remains steady.
All of the vendors have expressed an interest in staying longer.
“It has been fantastic since we opened and the makers are very happy. We are actually hoping we are able to keep the Market up and running past January,” said Gouin.
For the time being, the Market does not have any available spots. If you are an entrepreneur looking to grow your business, a waitlist has been created for future spots in the Market.
If you would like to be added to the waitlist, or are interested in more information about the Market, contact Lori Gouin, City of Wayne DDA Director, at (734)722-2002 or by email at lgouin@cityofwayne.com.
The DDA also launched the “Shop Wayne Passport Program” on Small Business Saturday in November. Through this program, individuals will receive a passport that can be stamped at local businesses for a chance to win some exciting prizes.
The Experience Downtown Wayne Gift Card Giveaway will also take place again this year. You will find gold boxes located at the Downtown Wayne Makers Market, Leo’s Jewelry, Helium Studio, Northside Hardware, US-12 Bar and Grill, and the State Wayne Theatre.
All you have to do is fill out the entry slip for a chance to win a $50 gift card to one of our local businesses. Head to the new Downtown Wayne Makers Market and check it out.