The Columbus Moonlight Market will continue to host Downtown retail events through the end of the year with a shift to indoor spaces beginning this weekend. The popular Gay Street retail event has boasted between 60 to 100 sidewalk vendors each month during the 2014 season, and the demand for holiday shopping is keeping the event running for November 8th and December 13th editions. Both events run from 6pm to 11pm.
The indoor pop-up retail spaces will take place inside the following locations:
- The large lobby of the Residence Inn Hotel on Gay Street
- The vacant retail space at 90 North High Street
- The Private Room (Privato) at Due Amici
Additional restaurants and retail stores on and around Gay Street will stay open late during the event as well, including Cafe Brioso, Zen Cha Tea Salon, zeroz Wallets, Cafe Napolitana, Plantain Cafe, 39 Below Fro Yo and others.
“The Moonlight Market is a fantastic event for downtown and the Gay Street area — It’s helping to strengthen and grow downtown’s retail sector,” said Kacey Brankamp, Business Recruiter for Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District. “I receive calls from participating vendors who are interested in finding permanent space in the area.”
The relocation indoors also includes new entertainment opportunities. The Privato space is connected directly to the bar at Due Amici, and the Residence Inn features a mezzanine bar. Guests are invited to enjoy a cocktail, beer or glass of wine while they shop. Additionally, musicians will be performing in all three spaces, including popular guitarists Ryan Smith and Sam Muccio as well as DJ Charles Erickson.
Participating retail vendors in the November and December market events includes The Columbus Barrel Company, Candle with a Cause, Lily’s Mini Delights, Vinyl Shock Records, Beauty and the Biker, Red Giraffe Designs, Studio 33 Salon & Spa, Salaam’s Caravan Fragrance, Spotted Cow Paper, Robert Mason, and many others.
“Moonlight Market has been a fabulous venue for our local Fair Trade traveling boutique,” said Connie DeJong, owner of the Mobile Global retail truck. “The vibrancy of this event inspired people to connect, spend their money locally and view the city in a new light.”
“The Moonlight Market has really given our small business a lot of visibility,” said Lindsay House, owner of Shaggy Sheep, one of the many retail participants. “We have attended many other shows as vendors and for us, this is our best and favorite.”
“The Moonlight Market gives us access to a variety of customers, loyal and new, where we can keep the brand forefront and provide a fun retail experience,” said Robert Grimmet, owner of Robert Mason. “After changing roles from a Gay Street bricks and mortar business to a sidewalk vendor, I have seen both sides as equally important for the other’s success. The market gives us a day each month to capture a good deal of business and expand our customer base — it’s a win for Gay Street, the neighborhood, Downtown Columbus and all of our small businesses.”
For more information, visit www.moonlightmarketcolumbus.com.