Makers’ markets—those ephemeral events that once dominated the shopping calendar—have all but disappeared this year, yet another casualty of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But within that landscape, entrepreneurs are doing what they do best: Taking risks and imagining new possibilities.
Enter Union Market Mankato, a new brick-and-mortar marketplace and community space specializing in goods from small, local makers. It’s the brainchild of Gina Moorhead, a fashion designer with Minnesota roots and close ties to the Twin Cities creative community.
Best known for its prairies, bluffs and roving bison, Mankato (located about an hour and a half south of Minneapolis) may seem like a surprising choice for such a modern concept. But Moorhead, who followed a relationship there in 2018, thinks it’s just the right place.
“I was told, ‘You can’t do this, you can’t do that,’” she says. “And, ‘why are you trying to open a retail store? Retail’s dead.’ But I thought, I want to see this work—I know it’s going to work. It just needs to be done right.”
Union Market Mankato’s plant propagation station
The concept of Union Market Mankato has been in the works since mid-2019, when the building’s property managers Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Group first opened the space as what Moorhead describes as a “farmers’ market.” She joined Union Market as a vendor with her fashion labels, House of Gina Marie womenswear and GräsMark menswear, excited about the large windows, light-filled, airy space and untapped potential. (The windows are thanks to the space’s origins as a car dealership over half a century ago.)
She soon realized the farmers’ market concept wasn’t working. “It wasn’t cohesive at all, it wasn’t shopper friendly,” she says. “There were so many logistical problems, since everyone was responsible for their own square footage.” When she heard they wanted to put the space on the market at the beginning of 2020, she jumped at the opportunity to take on the lease and make it her own. “I wanted to build it,” she says. “I saw a vision of what it could be, and decided to run with it.”
Despite being new to retail ownership, Gina wasn’t daunted. After all, she has over a decade of experience running her own small business—including everything from sourcing fabrics and designing patterns to managing a team and running fashion shows and photo shoots. “It’s like orchestrating an event. You just make sure all the music is playing, and figure out what tune you’re playing, and figure it out.”
She was set to start the buildout in March—and then the pandemic hit. Undaunted, Gina moved forward with her plans for the space. Dressing rooms and an office were built. Fixtures were hung. Workshop tables were brought in, as was a ping-pong table. Walls were painted bright, cheery hues.
Gina worked with Twin Cities creative Melanie Haroldson to brand the space, from fonts and signage to wall colors, and photographer Lauren Krysti to create imagery for the brand. Meanwhile, the YMCA opened a yoga and pilates studio in the back of the building, and a modern, new salon, The Rose Room, opened within the storefront next door.
Then Gina set to work filling the space with a fresh mix of unique, handcrafted products from local makers—tapping her relationships with makers and creatives in the Twin Cities as well as some of her newer connections in Mankato. Products span apparel and accessories for women and men, health and beauty products, home decor, jewelry, vintage clothing and kids’ goods. The more than 20 vendors includes milliner Celina Kane, Black and queer-owned brand The Crochet Gay, free-trade retailer True Ethic, and Eagle Falcon Handcrafted, a new line of briefcases and handbags made with traditional Anatolian craftsmanship. The store has also committed 15% of the market’s shelves to Black-owned businesses as part of the 15 Percent Pledge. In addition to serving as a community space, future plans for the market include a grab-and-go deli offering local charcuterie, cheese, breads and beverages, and a podcast recording studio.
“I feel really attached to this space and to this community, and I’ve invested a lot of time and energy into it,” Gina says. “I want to see it succeed, and I believe it will.”
Vintage goods from Elseware Vintage
A grand opening is planned for Saturday, October 24, with promotions, giveaways, refreshments, and other happenings, all done with COVID safety protocols in place. Additional promotions and activities will take place October 27–31.
Grand Opening activities on October 24 include:
10am–noon: Coyote Bee Intro to Illustration: Artist Ashley Seiler will share tips and tricks of illustration.
Noon–2pm: Learn to Crochet with Jasmine: Jasmine Davilar of The Crochet Gay will demo crochet techniques. Supplies will be provided for guests to make their own project to take home.
2–4pm: Entrepreneurial Advisement for Small Business Owners: Amy Klugherz, attorney, life coach and business adviser, will discuss tips for small business owners or those considering starting a business.
4–6pm: Vintage Roadshow: Guests are invited to bring in their vintage apparel, accessories and vinyl for free expert assessments of authenticity and value.
4–6pm: DJ CNDRMbeats will spin vinyl and Triple Falls Production will capture images and video of the event happenings.
Snacks and refreshments will be provided by Angi Rose-Talee of Homegirl Snacks, a Mankato maker of fun and beautiful snack boards and boxes.
Who: Makers include Celina Kane, The Crochet Gay, True Ethic, Eagle Falcon Handcrafted, Cedar & Cypress, Katrina’s Beauty Supplies, Elseware Vintage, Scatterbrain Vintage, For the Love of Dogs, House of Gina Marie, GrasMark and more.
Where: 615 S. Front Street, Mankato
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday from 10am–6pm.
Learn more: www.unionmarketmankato.com & @unionmarketmankato on Instagram
PLAN YOUR TRIP to mankato:
Make a day of it and check out these recommended to-dos.
Mankato Vintage Market: This shop offers an eclectic mix of handmade, vintage and new home decor. Open every weekend until Christmas, Thursday–Saturday 10am–5pm & Sunday 11am–4pm @ 1630 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, mankatovintagemarket.com
Vagabond Village: Resale gallery & lounge full of charismatic clothing, decor & music. Hours: Sunday 11am–4pm, Monday & Wednesday 4–8pm @ 732 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, facebook.com/vagabondvillagemankato
Salvage Sisters: Unexpected, refurbished vintage home & garden decor plus gift items and goods by local artisans. Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10am–6pm & Saturday 10am–4pm @ 615 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, www.salvagesistersmercantile.com
Mankato Farmers Market: Shop local growers & artisans from within 40 miles of Mankato from June through October. Open Saturday 8am–noon plus Tuesday & Thursday from 3:30–6pm @ 1895 Adams St, Mankato, www.mankatofarmersmarket.com
Bison viewing at Minneopa State Park: The state park has a 331-acre enclosure with a herd of bison you can view via car. The Bison Drive Road is open Thursday-Tuesday from 9 am to 7 pm (closed Wednesdays). The park also has hiking trails, panoramic views, a waterfall, picnic areas and campsites. @ 54497 Gadwall Rd, Mankato. Learn more
Silo Art Project: This city-funded art project features massive murals commissioned from Australian artist Guido Van Helten on the sides of the historic 122-foot Arden Mills silos, celebrating the Lakota heritage of Mankato. @ 324 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, twinriversarts.org/silo-art-project
Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota: Indoor exhibits include an interactive quarry, a tree made of tree forts & a vertical wind tunnel. Hours: Wednesday 9am–noon, Thursday 9am–7pm, Saturday 9am–4pm @ 224 Lamm St, Mankato. cmsouthernmn.org
WYSIWYG Juice Co: Located just down the street from Union Market, this juice bar (pronounced 'wi-zē-wig') features 100% raw, organic, cold-pressed juices, juice cleanses and nut milks. Open Monday–Saturday from 10am–3pm @ 527 S. Front St, Mankato. wysiwygjuice.com
Nolabelle Kitchen + Bar: Located down the street from the market, this modern restaurant features dishes like tempura shrimp with Korean BBQ dipping sauce, short rib dumplings and roasted Brussels sprouts. Offering indoor dining & takeout. @ 520 S. Front St, Mankato, www.nolabellekitchen.com
Mankato Brewery: Now with limited seating for indoor & outdoor, limited to groups of 4 people, plus curbside pickup. Hours: Tuesday–Friday 4–9pm, Saturday & Sunday noon–6pm @ 1119 Center St, Mankato, mankatobrewery.com
Minnesota's Largest Candy Store: On your way down to Mankato, make a pit stop at the iconic candy store and load up on treats for the road. @ 20430 Johnson Memorial Dr, Jordan
Konsbruck Hotel: If you're staying the night, head over to the next town, St. Peter, to stay at this historic hotel, a fixture of the town since 1895. @ 408 S 3rd St, St Peter, www.konsbruckhotel.com
This blog post was sponsored by Union Market Mankato. All images by Jahna Peloquin
More images from Union Market Mankato:
