The Second Street Market at 175 South Second Street in Hamilton features collectibles, art, Griz wear and much more.
t is a collection of cooperative vendors who think this space is the best booth space they’ve ever had and they get to showcase their items in a down town space on a full time basis.
During October's Apple Days event, realtor Joni Kearns was looking at the vendors all bundled up in the 11 degree weather and hugging space heaters. She asked them what they did with their products after Farmer’s Market was over. They said their items would go into storage until the spring.
“Wouldn’t you like to sell your inventory for Christmas?” she asked. She got a resounding yes and opened what she knew was successful business space down town Hamilton.
“The adrenalin rush has been amazing,” Kearns said, “I’ve never seen anything like this. I didn’t think people had money to shop because of the recession but this space is full of customers every time we’re open.”
The variety of vendors at the market is huge. “A lot of this is one-of-a-kind items. Some things sell for 50 cents – there’s something for every budget,” she said.
The eclectic items for sale include:
- UM Griz Wear – NCAA licensed and “hot off the press” for new styles
- Himalayan salt lanterns
- Doilies and toys from Germany
- Photography by William Munoz
- Call of the Wild Curios
- Jewelry including fossilized ammonites
- Hand died t shirts
- Art, Crafts, Collectibles, Quality Digital Prints …
- Hand-woven denim and leather rugs.
- Domino Holders (see related story)
- Pillow Talk – pillows, purses, aprons, stockings, newly-made retro-looking items
“I think it’s great,” said Pillow Talk vendor Cindy Potter. “It gives me a place to sell my stuff. I sell on eBay, so this is a local opportunity. It’s fun and gives me something to do.”
Store manager Joni Kearns is a realtor with Realty Executives of Ravalli County. She has a full time job showing land and houses. She’s busy, and so is her phone.
Following an article in the local paper, Kearns said she received two dozen calls from other vendors who would like to showcase their merchandise in the store.
“But we’re full,” she said. “I also got lots of calls asking what our hours are – Tuesday through Saturday 11 -5:30. We’re trying to match the downtown merchants and will probably have expanded hours after Thanksgiving.”
Customer Barbara Beyer was shopping for Christmas presents and thrilled with the items and prices.
Thursday, November 19th is the grand opening with coffee, cookies and a free ornament for each customer (while supplies last – which Kearns predicts won’t be long.)
So far, selling cooperatively is a big success at Second Street Market in Hamilton.
- Michelle McConnaha reporting for kpax.com
