Farmer’s Market also a boon for downtown businesses
By Lethbridge Herald on July 3, 2025.
Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald
With the Farmers’ Market back in Festival Square, businesses within the area share a common response, they are happy with the increase in foot traffic and what that does to their business.
Heather Just, owner of Meadow Lane Candy and Gifts says that when the Farmers’ Market is running, they are always busy.
“We love it. It brings a lot of people to the downtown core and that’s exactly what we are looking for,” says Just.
She adds that some visits result in purchases, while others result in returned visits and both are great for their business.
“’When people come here and they have never seen our store before, they come back. They might not buy something today, but that’s okay because now they know we are here and when they need a gift, we are here,” says Just.
Caitlin Jackson, manager at The Shoe Tree says that having the Farmers’ Market back is great, as any Wednesday that they are present in Festival Square increase foot traffic to their business.
“People are getting out and shopping the market and then browsing the stores in downtown, and sometimes that leads to sales and sometimes it doesn’t, but either way it’s great to have people in the store,” says Jackson.
She says that having people become aware of the store is very important and the Farmers’ Market helps with that by bringing people to the area.
“It draws people downtown that may not come to downtown very often and are unaware of all the little shops that are down here, so even just having them on the street and coming in and browsing is good awareness,” says Jackson.
She adds that personally she enjoys the Farmers’ Market as well, as downtown has “come back to life” and is thanks to events like the market.
Which is something Diana Walburger, owner of Cookie Crimes can relate to, as she says that events taking place in downtown like the Farmers’ Market is great for business, especially for them located right on Festival Square.
“Today was the first Farmers’ Market, and we noticed that was a little slower and I think that might be because of Canada Day fatigue. But it usually brings down people and it is great for us,” says Walburger.
She says they usually open a little earlier than usual when the Farmers’ Market is running to give people an opportunity to come, cool off and grab a treat while supporting the market as well.
“It is a win-win for them and for us, and being right on Festival Square, we love any event that comes our way. So bring on the events,” says Walburger.
16-15
absolutely hate to say this, but i bet an ai generated article would know enough to ensure the basics of complete news story were covered here – we have what and the where, even the why, but we are missing the when. seems it was open wed., but can one show up at 7 am? how about 8 pm? if i drop by on a fri will i be able to shop?
“The Downtown Farmers’ Market will run every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Aug. 27 and starting next week a variety of food trucks will be joining.” from the next article on the same subject by the same writer – thank you!