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Makers Market now open Downtown Wayne

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

8 · December 2021 · The Wayne Dispatch