Market Research

With merchandise that ranges from kitchen gadgets to stylish women’s apparel, The Market has a little something for everyone.

By Savannah Waszczuk

The Shop

The Market, 2628 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-889-1145, open Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Atmosphere

If you visit The Market on a Saturday, you’ll get to shop while jazz music plays in the background. “That’s when my dad is here, and he likes jazz,” says Lauren Haik, who owns the store with her father, F. Kent Stewart. “On the other days, we listen to The Blend on XM.” The Blend plays a mix of what Lauren describes as easy-listening music, helping provide an easy going atmosphere for shoppers. “We try to be very laid back,” Haik says. “We want everyone to feel welcome.” Customers casually explore the massive store, which sells everything from home accessories to women’s clothing. The merchandise is displayed in miniature vignettes throughout the 7,500-square-foot space, making it a very fun spot to shop.

Key People

Shortly after Haik graduated from Missouri State University with a marketing degree, she and Stewart bought The Market. “I’ve always been involved in retail,” Haik says. “My dad used to be a buyer for Newman’s Department Store.” The two bought The Market just a little more than five years ago. But it hasn’t always been the retail destination it is today. When The Market opened, it was called the Trader’s Market, and it had booth spaces that people rented so they could sell their merchandise. After the business sold to the second owners, the name changed to The Market, and the store moved to the Brentwood Center, which is where it’s located today. Lauren runs the day-to-day operations of the store, while Stewart helps with buying.

What You’ll Find

A front section of The Market has vintage furnishings on display, including antique chandeliers and dressers. You’ll find another section with sweet hand-made cards and children’s birthday party decorations for sale, and an entire section with all kitchen gadgets. There’s an area with throw pillows and home décor items, and of course, there are several racks of women’s apparel to sort through. “It’s almost like several stores within a store,” Haik says. The Market sells a lot of locally made merchandise, and Haik goes to market in Dallas to find many other pieces. “My dad is a manufacturer’s rep, so he goes to market in Atlanta, New York and San Francisco and gets stuff, too,” Haik says. In addition to the variety of merchandise that’s sold year-round, The Market features many seasonal décor items during the fall and Christmas seasons.

417 VERDICT

If you’re shopping for a gift, you can find it here. And while you’re at it, you may also pick up a new shirt, a serving dish and an accent pillow. The Market offers a little bit of everything, making it a fun, practical place to shop and explore.

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