PUBLIC MARKET FAQS
Curious about the Public Market? We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions here.
Is the Public Market a Farmers Market?
The Public Market is classified as a consignment farmer’s market. In a consignment market, vendors set their own prices and curate their own displays like they would at a farmer’s market, then the Public Market provides a platform to sell their products so they can get back to what they do best – growing or making delicious local food!
Unlike traditional farmers markets, the Public Market is a brick and mortar store open year-round, six days per week, and offers additional inventory that provides full-service groceries to our community.
Why a consignment market?
As a non-profit, we have a vision of regional food security. It is part of our core mission to maximize returns to regional farmers and food producers. Consignment markets return 70-80% of the sales price straight to the vendor, compared with 15% in traditional grocery.
Using a consignment model, Local Roots in Wooster, Ohio returned over a half million dollars to producers in 2017 alone. Since their opening in 2014, The Wild Ramp in Huntington, WV has returned over $1.2 million to producers using a consignment model.
What’s the Connection to Grow Ohio Valley?
The Public Market is GrowOV’s most ambitious project to date! This project is the cornerstone of our organization’s next phase in growing a regional food infrastructure. The market enables our organization to bring local and healthy food to more people than ever before with a brick and mortar store in the heart of an expanding and revitalizing downtown that currently lacks a single outlet for local and natural food.
GrowOV has farmed several acres of urban and rural sites. GrowOV’s farms supply the Public Market along with over 40 other local vendors. Our farm’s mission is to fill gaps in local food production – making it a priority not to compete with their farm businesses!
To learn more about Grow Ohio Valley, visit growov.org.
When did the Public Market open?
The Public Market Grand Opening was hosted on October 19, 2019 at 1401 Main Street, located in the Robert C. Byrd Intermodal Transportation Center. The Public Market is open for business Monday-Saturday!
Stop by and share the bounty!
Where is it located?
1401 Main Street. At the corner of 14th and Main in downtown Wheeling in the Robert C. Byrd Intermodal Center. Look out for the window signs when you drive by!
We’re so excited to have secured a market space in the heart of downtown Wheeling, less than a block from WesBanco Bank, WesBanco Arena, and Boury Lofts, and within easy walking distance of the rest of downtown.
Is it year-round & what are the hours?
Yes! The Public Market is a year-round, brick and mortar store. We are open Monday-Friday 9 am – 6 pm and Saturdays 9 am – 4 pm.
What is Public Market Membership?
Annual Membership: $35 to receive in-store discounts and benefits for a full year.
Lifetime Membership: Lifetime members receive annual member benefits for life— in exchange for a one-time contribution of $250.
Founding Membership: Founding members who contribute $1,000 or more will be acknowledged with their names featured in the market space, will receive a Founding Member limited edition art print.
Questions about membership? Reach out to victoria@growov.org or stop in-store to speak with our knowledgable and experienced staff.
What benefits do member receive?
- Patronage Rewards. At the end of the year, 1% of your purchases are credited to your membership account as store credit that can be used toward the purchase of anything in the Public Market.
- Discount Days. 15% off everything in store, last Friday of every month.
- First Priority for Events and Classes. Public Market offerings will be announced to members first before offering them to the wider public, and members will be given first chance to register for classes and events.
- Special Ordering. Public Market members can order items through the store at wholesale price and quantities, including group and bulk orders.
Are memberships required to shop at the Public Market?
No! The Public Market is open to the public. Public Market members help to sustain a community effort, and receive in-store benefits in thanks for their support.
How can I get involved?
Thanks for asking! Here a few ways:
- Want to participate in a conversation about food needs and preferences? Join a focus group.
- Have an activity or skill you think would fit in at the Public Market— contact us about scheduling an event or developing programming.