The Buffalo Indie Market Leaves The Nest

I can't tell you how impressed I am with the Buffalo Indie Market - so impressed, that I feel that the market should be turned up a notch. For all of the times that people comment that any attempt to start a permanent market of this sort would end up being a crumby flea market... the Indie Market is the perfect model to follow. Held periodically throughout the year, Mary Stephen McGinnis' vision for the traveling market is brilliant. The homespun products are varied in style and price. The quality of the goods is monitored. The attendance appears to grow each time that I'm there. The only request that I have pertaining to the market is, "More! And more often!"

Talk about the perfect recipe for incubating local entrepreneurs. Give them an inexpensive venue that markets to the public and takes care of the details. Although Pearl Street Grill and Brewery has been a good incubator itself, the Indie Market will soon head to a variety of venues to reach more people in order to broaden the market's identity. From there, who knows? People keep talking about incubators - are they successful? Can they work? Where are they? Where should they be? What will they look like? If I were a commercial association in Buffalo, I would look to Mary's Indie Market as a built-in incubator that could potentially unleash budding entrepreneurs out into the everyday market. I, for one, will follow the market wherever it goes... apparently that show will take place at Juniper.

In the meantime, consider becoming a fan of the Buffalo Indie Market on Facebook. Then you can follow Mary's exploits as she continues to promote local start-ups while providing Buffalonians with another wonderful alternative to the malls. Or visit their website for more information.

Upcoming Dates:

Saturday February 6th, 2010 at Juniper
Buffalo Loves Handmade
810 Elmwood Avenue / Buffalo / 14222
11am-3pm / Shop local. Shop handmade for your Buffalo sweetheart
< Details Coming Soon < Spots are still available >

Saturday May 8, 2010 at Botanical Gardens + FREE Admission to the Garden
Mother's Day Celebration
10am-3pm / Shop local. Shop handmade.
+ Artist Raffle to benefit the Botanical Gardens
< Details Coming Soon < Spots are still available

Saturday June 26, 2010 at Bidwell Parkway
Buffalo Homecoming Citybration
9am-3pm / Shop local. Shop handmade.
< Details Coming Soon < Spots are still available >

 Saturday July 24, 2010 at Bidwell Parkway
Time to be determined / Shop local. Shop handmade.
< Details Coming Soon < Spots are still available >

 Saturday August 28, 2010 at Bidwell Parkway
Time to be determined / Shop local. Shop handmade.
< Details Coming Soon < Spots are still available >