November 14, 2022
Crain’s Detroit Business
Oct. 31, 2022
Minnah Arshad
Downtown Detroit has an activity-packed winter on the horizon.
Downtown Detroit Markets, a pop-up of local businesses in Cadillac Square, is returning for its fifth year starting Nov. 10. The program is funded by the Gilbert Family Foundation with support from Bedrock LLC and the Downtown Detroit Partnership.
Photo courtesy of Bedrock LLC.
A total of 18 vendors this year will include vintage and sustainable clothing stores, an urban pet shop, independent bookseller, vegan cuisine, luxury charcuterie boxes and more, according to a news release. Most of the businesses are owned by women or people of color based in Detroit, the release stated. More than 130 small businesses have generated nearly $6 million in overall sales since the multi-vendor pop-up launched in 2017, organizers said.
Over the years, nineteen small businesses have taken part in the markets more than once, and some have gone on to open brick-and-mortar storefronts.
Bedrock and the Gilbert foundation are also partnering with TechTown Detroit, a local business development service, to offer vendors workshops and one-on-one mentorship.
“I am thrilled to participate in the Downtown Detroit Markets for the second year in a row,” Michelle Gebhard, founder of Whimsy & Wine, said in the release. “Last season was an incredible experience — from the guests and fellow small business vendors to the staff and security team — I loved it all and am so ready to be back again this year to make new connections and continue to grow our brand.”
Cadillac Lodge is also returning to downtown The large heated tent will be furnished with cozy seating, games and a festive menu including Detroit-style chili, walking tacos, soft pretzels, non-alcoholic ciders, hot chocolate and more. The Iconic Collection, a Birmingham-based property management company, will operate the lodge.
Find a list of vendors and hours of operation at deckedoutdetroit.com.
Photo courtesy of Bedrock LLC.
In addition, the Monroe Street Midway seasonal entertainment zone will run Nov. 11-Jan. 29. It will offer such fun activities as winter bumper cars, an arctic slide, puck-putt, an arcade, visits from Santa and variety of food. Bedrock opened the Midway on Monroe just east off Campus Martius Park earlier this year for summertime activities, including a free skating Labor Day weekend.
Entrance to the Midway and some activities are free, while there is a fee for bumper cars and arcade games.
Find a list of vendors and hours of operation at deckedoutdetroit.com.
