Detroit Holiday Market Brings Together 200 Small Businesses

The All Things Detroit Market brought 200 local businesses to Eastern Market in Detroit for a holiday-season event featuring handmade products, custom art and other goods. Shoppers came to browse and support independent businesses, while vendors had a chance to connect with customers and one another.

Organizer Jennyfer Crawford-Williams, founder of All Things Detroit, said the event is intended to offer more than a place to buy gifts. She described it as an experience that can help local business owners support their families.

Nicole Couture, who owns Loosey Goosey Mobile Bar and Cocktails, said preparing for a market takes substantial work behind the scenes. She said being among other hardworking vendors makes the effort worthwhile.

Some attendees said they wanted to support small businesses amid closures. Shopper Nancy Westpfahl said helping local, family-run shops was a reason to attend. Another attendee, Royal Pointer, spoke of the value of people coming together.

The market is held twice a year, and organizers plan to bring it back in the spring. Couture encouraged people considering starting a business to take the first step, while acknowledging that the work can be demanding.