Chamber Member Spotlight: Main Street Market
Updated: Dec 24, 2021
Main Street Market opened in 2011 as a project of the Downtown Development Authority of Swainsboro (DDA). Prompted by the effects of The Great Recession on the local economy, the DDA set out to create a space that encouraged entrepreneurship, boosted downtown retail, and provided a retail outlet for local art and other locally produced goods. The organization achieved this by renovating a 12,000-square-foot space and implementing the market concept. Today, Main Street Market has five employees and houses more than 60 vendor spaces, offering a variety of products, including fine antiques, jewelry, home décor, furniture, collectibles, craft supplies, silk flower arrangements, vintage vinyl records, and more. It also features a Locally Made booth filled with works from local artisans including pottery, paintings, albums, books, and more, as well as a full collection of books published by the Emanuel County Historic Society. In addition, the Main Street Market is home to the Music Memories Museum, which displays music memorabilia spanning more than seven decades. The museum is the personal collection of Michael Bright, who has served as manager of the Main Street Market since 2014.
While Main Street Market is a retail outlet offering antiques, gifts, furniture, home décor, and local art, it is also a tourist attraction for visitors looking for a place to shop or interested in the Music Memories Museum. Main Street Market’s mission is to promote culture and commerce in Swainsboro and Emanuel County by offering a venue of excellence for antiques, collectibles, arts, and gifts. Its values include commitment to vendors and customers, fairness to all, and offering high-quality goods and a unique and relaxing atmosphere. The goal of Main Street Market is to support the local economy and local artisans by offering a unique shopping experience in downtown Swainsboro.
Main Street Market itself is a contribution to the community as it is owned by the Downtown Development Authority of Swainsboro. This group is responsible for organizing such events as the Downtown Swainsboro’s Fall Festival, Swainsboro’s Christmas Parade, Downtown Swainsboro’s Summer Concert Series, Downtown Swainsboro’s Outdoor Movie Events, Downtown Swainsboro Retail Events, and more. The DDA also provides seasonal decorations for Downtown Swainsboro and Patriots Park. Main Street Market is a chamber member because the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce is a valuable resource for the community, offering advocacy, leadership development, and promotion and networking opportunities that help strengthen local businesses. The chamber plays a major role in developing, supporting, and promoting the local economy and community. The market is proud to be a part of the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce and its works.
Something you may not know is that Main Street Market is quite the tourism destination for downtown Swainsboro. Its guestbook has been signed by visitors from all 50 states and more than 20 countries. Items from the Main Street Market can be seen in a number of major movies as studios (including Disney) sometimes visit to purchase props for films and shows.
Location
215 West Main Street
Swainsboro, GA 30401
Parking available at The Boneyard. Please use rear entrance.
Hours of Operation
Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
478-237-0936
Website
www.mainstreetmarketswainsboro.com
Social Media
facebook.com/mainstreetmarketswainsboro