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What Is Markets Ontario?

Storefront of "Markets Ontario" at 62 King Street West with large windows. Sign reads "Markets." Visible "Open" sign. Pink and yellow colors. On the windows "Luke's" is written on a teacup silhouette for a Gilmore Girl's pop-up event.
Britney O'Brien © 2025

Sign promoting a 9,000 sq-ft Markets showroom with local artisans. Colorful crafts, plants, and desserts pictured. "Shop local, help grow."
Britney O'Brien © 2025

If you’re a student looking for your next side hustle, Markets Ontario may have an opportunity for you! In a nutshell, Markets Ontario is an in-person multi-vendor marketplace that sells assorted handmade goods on consignment. They are located in downtown Bowmanville. They have over 150 participating vendors and work with local entrepreneurs and artisans to sell curated handmade goods. Sellers who work with them are only required to pay a small rental fee for their shelving or floor space, and the staff at Markets Ontario takes care of selling their items. The best part of this arrangement is that the vendors keep 100% of their profit! 

 

If you are like me and love shopping small and supporting local businesses, this is a spot you should put on your “to visit” list! 

Coffee shop sign featuring "ROAM COFFEE" with a rising sun graphic. Below, "nest" in a circular nest pattern. Background shows faint outlines of trees.
Britney O'Brien © 2025

Why we love Markets Ontario: 

  • They have an in-store café called Roam Coffee so you can sip while you shop. 

  • They provide opportunities for small business owners and makers to sell their handmade goods locally. 

  • They promote the local economy as a large part of their business practice.  

  • They offer many specialty shopping experiences and events throughout the year. 

  • Their giveaways are often very generous, and they tend to reward the first 50-100 shoppers at their themed events.   

  • The shop in Bowmanville has free parking on weekends and holidays.  

  • You can rent booths to throw craft parties. 

  • New vendors can “try out” the space to see if their product will sell well at their location before they commit to a sales space. 

  • The staff is very knowledgeable about the products they sell.  

 

One of the big questions that we get a lot from students who are new to the area is “what can we do in Durham Region?” Beyond the shopping experience Markets Ontario provides, they also have a steady event schedule! The events they throw range from Pop-Up events (like November 22’s Secondhand Vintage Pop-Up event) to themed craft parties (like October 26’s Fall Candle Painting Workshop). If you’re feeling artsy, they likely have something fun for you to do!  

Shop Gallery

 

If you are looking to support local small businesses, artisans, or entrepreneurs, please consider shopping Markets Ontario! Interested in attending some of their upcoming shopping events? Visit their website and view their event calendar for more information.  

Screen captured image of the Markets Ontario website taken October 2025. Image shows the Bowmanville store front.
Markets Ontario Website, 2025

Have you visited Markets Ontario? Let us know what you thought in the comments.

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