A new kind of store opened on Saturday, July 6, in the heart of Glengarry at 45 Main St. N. in Alexandria.
The Glengarry Market is a vendor cooperative, supporting local farmers, food producers, craftsmen and artisans. The nifty little store contains an eclectic selection of products ranging from homemade ice cream, fresh local produce, candles, teas, honey, meats, cheeses and so much more. Local visionary and manager Amanda Haley hopes to grow the Market Co-op from the 15 existing vendors to 30 by the fall. Any vendors within a 100-kilometre radius wishing to showcase their products are encouraged to contact Haley.
“I like the idea of bringing it back to how it used to be back in the olden days, where residents supported one another and shopped locally. I think it’s important that we know where our food is coming from,” said Haley. The store celebrates everything local, as even the decorative paintings on the wall are creations by local artists.
When the new Ontario Health Unit regulations were approved in July 2018, Haley was forced to quit her home-based fermenting operation and had to decide whether she would move to a commercial space or abandon her dream altogether. After speaking to other local vendors, enough interest was shown for her to move forward with the Market Co-op. She found the perfect spot that allows her to operate both her Brine Cellar in her new commercial kitchen, and the vendor co-op market in the front of the store.
Open year-round, the hours are: Monday and Tuesday, from 11 to 2 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, from 11 to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. The shop is closed Wednesdays and Sundays.
To find out more, find the Facebook page @theglengarrymarket or contact Haley at 613-662-0462.
