Five years ago, while staring at the abandoned Eaton’s building during a conversation with the owner of The Loop Clothing, Maelyn Hurley was given the idea of starting a market in the building that was the bustling department store from 1938 until 1997 when it shut its doors.
“At the time it just didn’t seem like it would ever be able to happen. But the stars aligned, the opportunity came, and I jumped on it,” she says about this endeavour that will change the face of downtown.
Creating ideas
This passion Hurley has for supporting local makers and artists stems from her involvement and leadership in Craft Revival in the last 7 years. She’s created a maker’s entertainment event and it highlighted the interest from the community in locally made products.
She says Craft Revival sparked the interest for something the community really wanted and was a platform for businesses who didn’t have an outlet to showcase.
From there she began her creation, an urban centre that involves shopping, entertainment, and food.
“I really get fulfillment from supporting other people in business and I’ve always had a passion in a variety of different fields, so this opportunity even helps me live vicariously through different makers and businesses and you get to support them and be excited for and with them.”
Inspiring minds
Hurley says this all began with her love for travelling and attending markets in new towns and cities she found herself in.
“If I travel somewhere, I’d always look up the local market spaces because I always found that’s where you’ll get a taste of where you are and that’s something I’ve always really loved.”
Her vision behind Goods & Co. is a take on an urban marketplace that has a food focus but is heavily influenced by retail.
“I’m really excited to see people in the space and enjoying it, that’s what I’m most excited for but I’m also really excited for the other aspect of the space.”
Providing space
Hurley has 25 permanent vendors and is still taking applications. Pop-up booths will be incorporated throughout the space, and she is also facilitating an art education component within a private workshop space. This will be used for regular seminar workshops, courses, and classes. She’s also excited about the opportunity to host large events, like art exhibitions and trade shows.
“It’s such a unique building and has really cool concrete pillars and we’re playing off the retro Eaton’s era with lighting and décor elements. It’ll have a cool vibe and be a space for everyone to enjoy.”
Bustling future
While the opening date has been pushed due to ongoing uncertainties with COVID-19, Hurley is certain an opening will take place this fall.
While it’s an exciting opportunity for shoppers, this is an opportunity for small businesses to have a platform to jump off from.
It’s a platform for businesses to be supported and get advice, resources, and the support needed to help them grow their business, Hurley says.
