ByWard Market's Vendor Village struggling as sellers watch sales plummet

Vendors at the ByWard Market's new Vendor Village are closing shop early after sales collapsed since the cluster of converted shipping containers opened mid-May.

Walaa Sarem, who runs a skin care business called Natural Blend, saw sales drop dramatically. Two years ago selling from a stand on York Street, she might make $1,000 on a decent Saturday. Last year in the Immigrant Entrepreneur program, she made $500 to $700 on Saturdays. This year in Vendor Village, her Saturday sales fell to between $140 and $150—a 70 to 85 percent decline. Sarem plans to close early.

Rahimullah Samandar, an Afghan refugee who arrived in Canada less than three years ago, sells succulents and cacti along with clothing made by his wife at Form & Flora. This is his third summer at the Market, and he believed Vendor Village was a step toward owning his own business. His sales have been abysmal. "Then maybe I'll have to find another job," he said.

Kafui Salakor, who opened her Déka Trends shop in mid-May selling jewellery, clothing, and laser engraving services, found business nothing like the previous August and September when she sold from William Street. "Last September, I sold more than I have from May until now. It's become demoralizing," she said.

A Thursday afternoon visit to the 12-container Village found only six operating as retail businesses. A couple sat vacant; others were closed despite being leased. The ByWard Market District Authority occupied one former vendor space, offering only visitor pamphlets. Over subsequent visits, conditions never improved.

Vendors blame the ByWard Market District Authority, which operates both the ByWard and Parkdale markets including vendor services. The source does not detail the BMDA's response to these complaints.