Whether you're looking for knick-knacks, doohickies or possible hidden treasure, Marathon's new antique store is the place to go! Exit 9 Marketplace has opened at 79 Cortland Street in Marathon, showcasing a variety of small businesses in the local area.
The former RiverBend Antiques building is owned by Kelly and Kim Davis (Thompson), who's return to the Cortland County village is a homecoming.
"My wife is originally from Marathon and wanted to move back to her hometown," said Kelly Davis. "The purchase of the antique building was a bonus as we actually purchased the property for the home that is attached to the back of the building."
Exit 9 Marketplace, which hosted its grand opening on February 27, contains an abundance of antiquities, vintage items, and all kinds of handmade and upcycled goods. The mall brings in vendors from the public to display and sell their items to customers. The idea of converting this two-story building into an antique store was born out of the repercussions of the pandemic and a need to help the local community.
"Starting a new business in the middle of a pandemic takes a lot of courage when we don't know what could possibly happen next," Davis said. "Marathon thrived off the Maple Festival and that was no longer available these past few years. We wanted local vendors to have a place to sell their items and that is how Exit 9 Marketplace developed."
Over 30 area vendors have rented the space in the new business. Customers will find maple products, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, crafts, furniture and different treasures.
"You name it, we probably have it here at Exit 9 Marketplace," Davis said.
Pick up a package of smoked meats from Knickerbocker's Old Fashioned Meat Market. Check out their second booth, Knickerbocker Artisans which is chock full of rustic wood crafts, such as picture frames, shelving and signage. Get a fresh batch of maple coated peanuts or maple syrup from Cooper Hill Maple. Check out the work from local photographer Christa M. Boice of Capturing His Creation. Stela's Variety + Doodle Creations out of Homer has loads of fun homemade gifts and collectables. Twin Creek Farm Sawmill of Marathon has custom carved signs, wood slices and custom crafts on display.
Exit 9 Marketplace will not only be home to trinkets and treats. Customers will also be able to rent a U-Haul, or utilize the Fed Ex and UPS shipping/pickup station. Davis also has plans to establish a farmers market, create an outdoor seating area on the deck and host events.
Due to the pandemic the business is taking every precaution to ensure visitors can shop in a safe environment. They have placed social distancing stickers on the floor throughout the building, and installed plastic barriers at the counter to serve as sneeze guards to protect customer and cashier alike during transactions.
"Exit 9 Marketplace is taking Covid-19 very seriously. We practice social distancing along with sanitizing throughout the day and end of the night at closing," Davis said. "We also have hand sanitizer, and extra face masks available at the front desk."
Still not comfortable shopping in-person? All inventory is also available online at www.exit9market.com. It can be ordered for pickup for shipped.
Despite these uncertain times, the team at Exit 9 Marketplace is confident their business, and their town, will come out on the other side.
"We look forward to the community to come together and help support the entrepreneurs that we have as vendors, to help them grow and be successful sellers," Davis said. "We want to give the village of Marathon something to be proud of and for us to be a part of the community."
Looking for a way to sell your crafts, goods or antiques? Call (315) 730-5807 or email exit9marketplace@gmail.com for more information.
EXIT 9 MARKETPLACE
79 Cortland Street, Marathon NY
Open daily (except Wednesday) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Website
(315) 730-5807
exit9marketplace@gmail.com
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