Akron’s Northside Marketplace, a hub for local entrepreneurs and vendors, will close its doors on July 31. The decision comes after the marketplace’s original developer, Joel Testa, attempted to take over the space from its current owner, Justin Lepley, and turn it into a vendor-led nonprofit.
Financial Challenges
Despite efforts to find a sustainable path forward, Testa stated that the marketplace’s financial condition, including existing debt and liabilities, made it impossible to continue operations. The news came as a shock to vendors, many of whom are still owed money by the marketplace.
Takila Nuss, owner of Essential Dipped Delights, expressed her disappointment and heartbreak over the closure, stating that she had been a part of the marketplace since 2020. Jillian Klemm, owner of JillyJelly Art, also shared her sadness, saying that the marketplace was a great concept, but the lack of payment and communication from management made it difficult to continue.
Impact on Vendors
The closure of the marketplace will have a significant impact on the local vendors who relied on the space to sell their products. Brent Wesley, owner of Akron Honey and a member of the advisory board, described the marketplace as a springboard for his business, which had been making over $22,000 a year in sales at the location.
Julie Cajigas, a beach glass and fossil artist, also expressed her love for the marketplace, saying that it was a great way for local entrepreneurs to test their ideas and connect with customers. However, she noted that the lack of guarantee that vendors would receive payment for their sales made it difficult to continue participating.
Testa suggested that vendors consider selling their products at The Mercantile, a new downtown store set to open in September. Shane Wynn, one of the owners of The Mercantile, stated that the store plans to incorporate locally made items into their inventory and hopes to provide a new home for some of the displaced vendors.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
