Chelsea's Mission Marketplace regrouping after losing Main Street lease
The Mission Marketplace in downtown Chelsea will close its doors at the end of the month after losing its lease.
Lisa Allmendinger | AnnArbor.com
Kevin Frahm, the executive director of the nonprofit volunteer-supported community marketplace, said he and its 11-member board of trustees are looking at three undisclosed options in Chelsea to reopen the store.
“It’s our intention to stay in Chelsea and be part of the fabric of Chelsea and stay in the downtown area,” he said.
Although originally told by its landlords, Tannin Property Group, that the business must be out by May 1, Frahm said, “It does appear that our landlords may let us stay past May 1. It’s being negotiated.”
Gail McColloch, chairman of the board of trustees, said the Main Street location gave the nonprofit visibility and the store “has a great following both inside and outside of Chelsea.”
A sale sign outside the Mission Marketplace
Lisa Allmendinger | AnnArbor.com
The lease is up at the fair trade store at the end of this month.
“We don’t fault them for doing this. It’s no one’s fault,” McColloch said. Mission Marketplace has been in its 117 S. Main St. location since June 16, 2006, but Frahm said it has been in business in several smaller locations for about 12 years. The store sells handcrafted items made by economically impoverished people in developing countries, according to its website.
“Our mission is social justice. We’re trying to help raise the living standard and give access to the marketplace,” he said, adding that a majority of the items the business sells are made by women.
According to the Mission Marketplace website, “Our goal is to create economic opportunities for craftspeople around the world through the practice of Fair Trade and attempt to increase global understanding by telling these talented artisans’ stories.”
McColloch said Tuesday that the Board of Trustees held a “lively discussion last night,” and is taking a step back to determine what’s in store for the future, and what they envision for a new location.
Frahm said the new tenant in the 2,000-square-foot space is a bakery.
Lisa Allmendinger is a reporter with AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com. For more Chelsea stories, visit our Chelsea page.
Comments
Megan Torrance
Thu, Apr 21, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.
The Mission Marketplace is one of my favorite places to shop for unique gifts -- certainly part of the fabric of a vibrant downtown Chelsea. Based on this article it seems like they've been given only a very short time to figure out what their next steps are. Having moved a business once, I know it's incredibly disruptive and time-consuming... and expensive. I hope that the shop lands well and has a successful move into new space! Good luck!
bluehoo
Wed, Apr 20, 2011 : 8:38 p.m.
some commenters don't understand fair trade and don't know this store it does sell made in America items--in fact some are made in the Midwest the point of fair trade is that the actual maker of the item receives a fair wage--that the middle man is not the one making the money items are unique, yes. But many are items that can be bought for comparable prices in chains--only there the people who made the items (whether US or beyond) weren't earning a living wage This store will be missed if it doesn't find another site--both because it's local, supports local events and activities, AND because it helps people in this country AND beyond earn a fair wage and the new bakery isn't a chain--but I agree it may be hard to support another bakery
clownfish
Wed, Apr 20, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.
Agree with FATKITTY, while I appreciate that there are craftspeople in impoverished countries that need help, there are unemployed and impoverished people in MI that need to sell their goods too. Having these imported cheap goods available undercuts local artisans. Shop local, buy locally made products where possible!! The job you save may be your own.
Fatkitty
Wed, Apr 20, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.
1. How about a store that sells items made in the USA? Now THAT would be unique! 2. I hope the bakery actually BAKES on site, instead of selling baked goods that are actually made somewhere else! 3. Personally, I won't miss the Mission Marketplace.
sun runner
Wed, Apr 20, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
Bumble's Dry Goods around the corner on Middle Street is stocked with wonderful unique items, all of which are made in America. Bumble's is my favorite place to buy gifts.
Gee
Wed, Apr 20, 2011 : 12:07 p.m.
A 2,000 square foot bakery? Really?!?!??!? Can't imagine there's enough traffic in Chelsea to support this.... I hope at least it's an independent operation and not a franchise. Mission Marketplace adds so much to the flavor of downtown. This is a shame.
roadsidedinerlover
Wed, Apr 20, 2011 : 5:37 a.m.
I hope they will stay in Chelsea! I really like this store and Chelsea already has a bakery around the corner. Why does the city need another one?
Potato Chip
Tue, Apr 19, 2011 : 11:20 p.m.
Losing a unique store in favor of another dime-a-dozen bakery? Not cool.