ARLINGTON, Texas—Arlington is home to a monthly “after-hours” market that highlights small businesses while creating a family-friendly night out for area residents.
Small Business Mercado takes over an Arlington night once a month, filling a small parking lot with a variety of vendors, ranging from those who sell vintage clothing to dozens of food and drink options. Visitors can also find homemade goods like keychains, bows and pottery.
Small businesses are welcome to sign up and rent a tent and tables to share their story and products.
Origin
The after-hours market was started by local small-business owner Cristian Berumen. He started his own embroidery business after graduating from high school and became an accomplished businessman by age 22. After finding success with his own startup, Berumen wanted to extend that support to others.
Partnering with Marquez Bakery, located at 1730 E. Division St., allowed Berumen to launch Small Business Mercado in 2021. Once a month in the Marquez Bakery parking lot, more than 40 vendors set up shop for four hours from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
It initially started as a space to support local, primarily Latino-owned, businesses and has since expanded to any vendors interested in elevating their profile. Business-owners from all walks of life are welcome to be part of this community-oriented atmosphere.
Finding Support
Small Business Mercado has a wide variety of businesses that participate every month. There are dozens of food vendors offering items such as tacos, churros and cheesecake. Beyond food, there are vendors for clothing, home goods like pottery and handmade signs, and even 3D-printed trinkets.
Kenedi Norman is the owner and founder of a vintage clothing business called Koppshopp. Starting in high school with an affinity for fashion and clothes, then turning to online shopping platforms during COVID-19, Norman has been growing her business and passion for years.
Norman has attended every after-hours market since August and is about to open her first official storefront in Dallas.
“It gives people an opportunity to shop with you and get your name out there,” Norman said. “Working with Small Business Mercado has really been helpful.”
Norman said Small Business Mercado has provided support to many businesses beyond her own, adding that the market acted as a sponsor to help her get her first store up and running.
Small Business Mercado also provides opportunities to those looking to volunteer their time and talent. Students from local schools, such as Tarrant County College, are allowed to participate in the market to gain experience in business and entrepreneurship.
“They actually help so many different people in different places out here,” Norman said. “They’re very active in the community.”
Part of the Community
Sipp’n Pretti Lemonade, started and owned by Sandra Barona, is another vendor who has found support and success at Small Business Mercado. Barona grew up drinking and making lemonade from the lemon trees in her backyard.
“One day, I was like, ‘You know what? What if I just opened a lemonade business?’” Barona said. “But I’m not a simple lemonade girl, so I had to throw in my own style.”
Sipp’n Pretti launched in August. Barona has been part of two Small Business Mercado events and said she has enjoyed being able to share her product without needing a storefront.
“You get to meet a lot of new people all the time, and then it’s just sharing your own food with other people,” Barona said. “It’s a great opportunity for those who don’t want to go too big but still do something that they love.”
Locals Attendance
Small Business Mercado has built a loyal local following from residents looking for a family-friendly, inclusive event.
“I love night markets here, particularly to avoid Texas heat while still being able to interact with all of the unique foods, art and entertainment our local small businesses can offer,” Morgan Allen, a local resident who has attended Arlington night markets, including Small Business Mercado.
Where to Find Them
Small Business Mercado has been hosting an after-hours market once a month for the past five years. The most recent event was March 27. The next market is scheduled for April 17.
Information about the markets and how to attend and how to apply to be a vendor is available on Small Business Mercado’s Instagram account—@small.business.mercado.
