Public Markets: Humanity in a Digital Age
Public markets have been an important part of the human experience for thousands of years. The concept of creating spaces for vendors to buy, sell, and trade their wares is one that transcends any single culture or place. Yet, in the digital age we now live in, where purchases are just a couple of clicks away, are vendor markets fading in popularity? Why should you bother to leave the comfort of your home to go to a market to buy what can be bought online, and probably at a cheaper price?
One of the most obvious, yet still crucial, arguments for local markets is the economic benefit to communities. We’ve all heard “shop local,” and markets are one of the best ways to do that. Rather than giving your hard-earned money to some major corporation, why not give it to your friends and neighbors instead? That money, in turn, feeds back into the community and helps keep local businesses alive, which helps the area flourish as a whole.
Transparency and authenticity drive many to buy from local vendors. Let’s face it: the digital world is full of lies and deception, and it can feel impossible to discern what is true. I know almost every time I buy something online, I have this moment of panic where I wonder if it’s a scam. How many times have you opened a package to find the contents were not what you expected? Sure, you can read reviews, but how many of those are fake? When you buy from a local vendor, you get to see, touch, and even try the product yourself. You can feel confident in your purchase. Plus, it comes with the bonus of seeing a smile on the face of the person who made it.
This brings me to what I feel is the most important role that vendor markets serve, and that is human connection. One of my favorite markets to work as a vendor is our very own St. Johnsbury Farmers’ Market, because I absolutely love my market neighbors. I look forward to opportunities to catch up with them, and I love getting to see and try what they are making. Vendors love to trade and buy from each other, and I cannot tell you the number of times one of them has brought me food. As much as they depend upon markets for profit, at the end of the day, most people just love sharing their craft with others.
So, the next time you drive by or see an ad for some sort of public market or event, I urge you to stop by. You will find joy and connection that cannot be found online. You will see absolute works of art that will remind you how much beauty humans are capable of. You will share stories and laughter with strangers that will remind you how much good there is in the world. I would say that is well worth leaving the comfort of your home for.
Written by Danielle Carrier
