The Village Markets to close after 16 years on the Gold Coast
The owners of a popular Gold Coast village market are preparing to say their final goodbyes to the 16-year-long business.
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The owners of a popular Gold Coast village market are preparing to say final goodbyes to the 16-year-long business.
The Village Markets co-founders Marissa Bowden and Sarah Schoeller have pulled the pin on their passion project, saying they will hold their last market on Thursday.
Ms Bowden said they would “miss their community who have become family” but were ready for their next chapter.
“We are so very proud of everything we have been able to build and achieve in The Village Markets,” she said.
“We’ve had a wonderful partnership with Robina Town Centre this year which has seen us run seven successful events at this new location, after 15 wonderful years in Burleigh Heads.”
Ms Bowden said the business was up for sale and hoped someone “passionate about the community” would “take over the legacy of The Village Markets”.
While the duo were ready to close this chapter, Ms Bowden reiterated how important markets were for the community.
“Now more than ever, in this fast-paced digital-world, there is a need for genuine human connection and community,” she said.
“Markets are integral for any community and especially to support small businesses and keep them going.”
Ms Bowden reminisced on 16 years curating markets full of “many amazing memories” and friendships.
“(We have) loved watching brands grow from a start-up market stall to becoming successful on an international scale,” she said.
These included: Clothing business Nine Lives Bazaar, musician Ziggy Alberts, Tones and I, drink mixer Mr Consistent and more.
Gold Coaster Nick Atkins said the markets were the reason Burleigh Heads had become “electric” over the past decade.
“The markets were part of the fabric of the community here in Burleigh Heads,” he said.
“Without people like Marissa and Sarah having the foresight to create things like this for the Gold Coast, we would still be the sleepy retirement town of yesteryear.
“The Gold Coast is a better place for your courage and persistence in keeping a great thing going.”
Market stall holder F+H Jewellery owner Sharona Harris said she “couldn’t think of a better event in Queensland”.
Robina Town Centre marketing manager Ashlee Hume said it had been a pleasure working with Ms Bowden and Ms Schoeller.
“We sincerely hope a new owner can be found to carry on the incredible legacy they have created here on the Gold Coast.
“Robina Town Centre would be excited to explore the opportunity of maintaining The Village Markets in its seasonal pop-up market format on The Promenade throughout the year, once a new owner is secured.
“We wish Marissa and Sarah all the best. It has been a dream to work with them.”
The final market will be at The Promenade at Robina Town Centre on Thursday, 4pm to 8pm.
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