Jen Taler started Market in the Alley in 2017 while developing the Fergusons Downtown space. She said it started with less than 20 vendors and about 200 shoppers and has since grown to as many as 900 vendors in the database and crowds as large as 4,000. The markets are now held in four locations on select weekend dates: UnCommons in southwest Las Vegas, The Village at Centennial Springs, the Arts District and The Green at Green Valley Ranch.
Additionally, her retail shop Akin Cooperative in the Arts District is like a stationary Market in the Alley, where some makers also sell their wares.
A self-described "maker of spaces" and a former Zappos buyer, Taler said her desire to create unique retail experiences comes from previous work experience in boutiques, working overseas in Australia and her family background.
"I think that collaborative and people-person (focus), being in a diverse family unit spilled over to who I am in my day-to-day," she said.
Holiday shopping at Akin Cooperative or a Market in the Alley could give customers a wide selection of gift options, including some traditional ideas like handmade candles, jewelry and home goods. One unique option at the shop on Commerce Street is the KGB personal fire pit for $55.
"You can have this beautiful flame if you want to keep warm," Taler said. "But I have a 4-and-a-half-year-old, so we were making s'mores last night off of it."
Taler said her years in retail have given her the guiding questions for gift-giving. First and foremost, consider that person's style and interests.
"My curation is very eclectic in the style of stuff, and our city is very eclectic on what we make," she said. "I think we can hit a lot of different styles with what's in the store."
Read the full article HERE.