SPRINGFIELD / EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) –- On one of the busiest shopping days of the year, local markets say they've fared well in the holiday spending rush. Markets in both Eugene and Springfield have seen a major boost in sales this season.
The Holiday Market is one of Eugene's classics. Vendors say they've noticed a busier season this year compared to the last. The market is open tomorrow and Christmas Eve to try to get last minute buyers in.
About 250 to 300 vendors are participating in the Holiday Market; everything sold there is handmade. While the gifts are a big draw, the Holiday Market atmosphere is another reason it has done so well.
"I think people are always, every year, a little more supportive of local artisans and thinking about where their money goes and knowing that it's going to other people in the community and staying in Eugene, which makes it stronger,” says Kim Still, a spokeswoman for the Holiday Market.
Across the river, Springfield has also made a big entry in the market scene this year. The EuGenius Market opened in the Gateway Mall in October 2012. Each week, fifty local vendors sell their goods. The marketplace now has a waiting list of about one hundred vendors and is looking at expanding, going year round.
"From small businesses to a home-based business to individual crafters . . . who've never had a chance before to open up their own business. This is the place for them to do it. It's affordable - it runs as low as $25 a day -and we're open Friday, Saturdays and Sundays,” says David Wells, owner of the EuGenius Market.
As for what's on sale at the EuGenius Market, lots of it is handmade and homemade. But the items that aren't are still sold by local community members. The Gateway Mall says its been happy with the market's success too, saying it has drawn thousands of new people to what has been a lower-trafficked area.
Another local market in Springfield, SPROUT! regional food hub is continuing to run every Friday inside the old church across the street from the Springfield Justice Center.
