Q: How will you control the quality of the vendors?
A: The event is juried, meaning that all vendors need to be approved before participating. Potential vendors would have to submit an application with photos of the types of merchandise they would propose to sell. In addition, the price for a vendor space will, in and of itself, preclude flea market-style vendors from participating as it would not be economically feasible for them to attend.
Q: Who would benefit from this Market?
A: Certainly the local businesses in terms of spillover foot traffic and the ability to participate as sellers if they so desired. And, more broadly, the Township community at large. As I've said, we talk to much about sustaining our neighborhoods and creating events which encourage walking, meeting our neighbors, creating foot traffic to our downtown areas, and supporting the arts locally. The Clover Market is a way to accomplish all of these things. And finally, you can think of the Market as an "incubator" of sorts for emerging businesses who might not yet be established enough to have a storefront. A vendor who has success at the market and cultivates a following could soon be a new bricks and mortar business somewhere in the Township.
Q: Have you looked into opportunities to help promote other local organizations?
A: Yes! I am actively exploring options to feature one local nonprofit at each event (such as Friends of Linwood Park, First Friday Main Line, Ardmore Library, the various Fire Departments, LMVUE, Main Line Animal Rescue) to help raise awareness of other local groups and the many wonderful organizations and happenings in our community.
Q: Do you carry insurance? Is there any liability for the Township in permitting this?
A: Yes, I carry professional liability insurance and the Township would be free from any potential liability in permitting use of Township property.
Q: Are you asking for use of Township property for free?
A: No, I am asking to be able to lease the property along the lines of the arrangement the Township has made with the Bryn Mawr Farmers Market.
Q: Do you have vendors lined up to participate?
A: Given that we have not secured a location yet, the call for vendors has not been formally made. However, many informal conversations have taken place, with interest expressed from many local (and not so local) businesses to participate. We have also discussed partnership arrangements with two local art centers as well, and I think there's a great opportunity to feature work from emerging artists at regional schools such as Moore College.
Q: Does the business community support this Market?
A: Yes, I have statements of support from the Ardmore Initiative and the Ardmore Business Association. We also have vocal support from Save Ardmore Coalition and First Friday Main Line. Finally, I am actively reaching out to all of the neighboring civic associations - public response to date has been overwhelmingly positive. If YOU support this idea, please consider signing the petition at right.
