Local Shops 1 DTSP Night Market
Local Shops 1 DTSP Night Market
There’s a new market in town thanks to Local Shops 1. The best part? You don’t have to brave the heat to see some of St Pete’s best local makers, musicians, and more. DTSP Night Market is here. And it’s awesome.
Local Shops 1 was founded in 2008 by Ester Venouziou with one clear mission: “to provide advocacy, support and education to locally owned, independent businesses in the Tampa Bay region.” Members receive all kind of perks, too, which help in taking the pressure of advertising and getting their name out to potential clients. In a nutshell, LS1 gives their members more time to focus on what matters: engaging clients and creating really cool stuff.
Though their original storefront is located in Gulfport, their presence in St Pete has been felt from day one. In 2010 the first Shopapalooza, a locally focused festival meant to help holiday shoppers spend their money where it counts: with independent small businesses. The two weekend festival will be held at South Straub Park November 18th and 25th and boasts as being the biggest shopping event of the year in Tampa Bay. There will be entertainment, giveaways, food, and (of course) plenty of makers to pick the perfect gifts (yes, even for that persnickety loved one).
The new DTSP Night Market will be your opportunity to experience all that Shopapalooza has to offer in the coolness of the Plaza Courtyard, “The new DTSP Night Market was an extension of things we have already been doing. In a recent member survey, adding vendor opportunities came up pretty high on list of what people wanted. So we added DTSP Night Market!” Every first Thursday of the month from 6-10pm (next is October 5th!) at 111 2nd Ave NE shoppers will find hand crafted jewelry, art, bath and body products, screen printed t-shirts, and local music provided by the neighboring Ale and the Witch. Ester says it best, “This is the perfect place to shop, sip and eat!”
We asked Ester what she thought made St Pete awesome, and the answer was spot-on. “The vibe in St Pete is electric, and our city has so many amazing neighborhoods, each with its own unique flavor. But what makes St Pete so awesome? It comes down to the people. I’ve never lived anywhere else where it’s so clear that the residents love their city. It’s inspiring!”
We agree. Follow Local Shops 1 on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. We’ll see you at the market!