Bijou Market vendors will be arriving in Provo to sell their one-of-a-kind handmade and vintage products at the annual event that’s quickly becoming a popular local attraction.
The market was started in 2009 when three friends selling handmade hair accessories on Etsy realized they could have a more profitable and enjoyable experience by selling their products directly to customers at live events.
“The first one was a couple hours long and 15 vendors,” said Bijou Market founder Emily Frame. “The next show was 40 vendors, then 50, then 60. Every year we added shops, found a bigger or more accommodating venue, and the shoppers multiplied.”
To create an exciting atmosphere for shoppers, the upcoming Bijou Market will feature food trucks, music, photo ops, a mini flower market and in-house artists to sketch, paint and draw visitors.
In addition to the live entertainment, people will have the opportunity to purchase handmade and vintage toys, books, decor, jewelry, bags and clothing. Some of the fan favorites include plush mermaid dolls, printed leggings, personalized jewelry, letterpress prints and designer fabric pillows.
Held in the heart of downtown Provo, the Bijou Market is conveniently located so shoppers can grab a bite before heading to the event to make a day of it. The hours of the event are also specifically set to cater to students’ schedules, according to Frame.
“We plan our market around college school schedules,” Frame said. “We’ve found that young adults are the niche that comes out in droves; but of course there is something for every age and stage of life, and we love seeing such a variety of people from the community come out.”
With earrings selling for $1 all the way up to original art for $500, the Bijou Market vendors aim to sell products with a good range of prices so that nothing is out of reach. However, the average price per item is about $7, according to Frame.
Nassari Everett, owner of Flor de Luz, which sells authentic Mexican items including blankets, dresses and purses, said she is excited to be a vendor at the Bijou Market for the second year in a row.
“It’s a really successful event, and it’s become something that we just love,” Everett said. “Not everyone gets to travel to Mexico, so we enjoy being able to share the beautiful clothes and accessories with them.”
Aubry Bennion, who considers herself corporate by day and crafter by night, said she was able to debut her blooming business through the Bijou Market in 2012.
“This will be my third Bijou Market show,” said Bennion, whose company sells decorative felt balls and handwritten art. “There is an energy at the market unlike anywhere else. It gets really exciting on Friday morning when moms and strollers and friends race through the aisles hoping to snatch up the best of the best.”
The Bijou Market will take place on Friday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Southworth Hall at 116 West Center Street, Provo.
