SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL MAKERS: OPEN MARKET OC
It is a rarity for many local makers, artisans, and other small businesses to be able to find a permanent space to call home. Excessive square footage, high rent costs, and long-term lease commitments have traditionally kept these types of tenants away from setting up shop within a traditional shopping mall setting; as such, the only way many local vendors sell their wares is at temporary events, like pop-up fairs or weekend farmers markets.
At Centennial property Mainplace Mall in Santa Ana, CA, Open Market OC defies the norm by offering a completely unique shopping experience, featuring over 200 of the area’s best local makers, curators, and small businesses all under one roof. Located on the second level within a mall’s space that once was home to Nordstrom, the innovative marketplace provides a permanent spot to set up shop and call home for vendors selling everything from handmade art to vintage fashion, beauty products, prepacked food items, and more. In addition, unlike pop-up fairs and markets, Open Market OC provides an opportunity for shoppers to support their local community on a regular basis, as the space is open daily, year-round. For added convenience, purchases made from multiple vendors within Open Market OC can all be made in a single transaction through a centralized point-of-sales system. The experience is further enhanced by several local makers who offer hands-on workshops and live demonstrations alongside their goods for sale.
Concepts like Open Market OC are the future of small business retail! Centennial loves to partner with like-minded entrepreneurs, makers, and vendors looking for affordable and innovative brick-and-mortar options. Reach out to your Local Leasing and Business Development Representative to chat more about bringing a similar marketplace concept to life within your own community!