Organizers of the Chattanooga Market have been considering the possibility of a daily storefront for several years. The staff at River City Company and the vacancy at 2 Aquarium Way are providing an opportunity to meet this objective.
“When the River Place building returned to our control a year ago, we wanted to use the space in ways that would benefit the downtown community,” says Kim White, president and CEO of River City. “Having the Chattanooga Market General Store open every day will provide visitors and residents a shopping experience that supports a variety of local artisans, all in one spot.”
The new General Store will provide an outlet for more Chattanooga merchants to sell their products. The downtown market at First Tennessee Pavilion is at capacity for vendors each Sunday. The additional retail space at Aquarium Way will make it possible to include the works of additional vendors.
Customers at the retail location will be able to buy original art, pottery, food, Chattanooga-themed gifts and other items.
“We want tourists to get a glimpse of our tremendous artistic community and be able to find the necessities that will make their stay or visit downtown more enjoyable,” adds Chris Thomas, executive director of Chattanooga Public Markets.
The General Store is expected to open in coming weeks for the summer season. Store hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Source: The Chattanooga Market