Market looks to break records with new initiatives and events
RALEIGH, NC (April 21, 2014) – The Downtown Raleigh Alliance will welcome patrons to the fifth Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market May 7 from 10 am-2 pm at City Plaza. The DRA aims to break the Market’s sales and traffic record with new event line-up and more vendors than ever before. Last year, the 27-week long Market reported 105,000 in foot traffic and more than $230,000 in total sales of farm fresh products, setting a record high. Since 2010, the Market has generated $680,000 in overall sales.
With the arrival of Ipreo and Citrix later this summer, downtown residential development, and new downtown businesses, the Market plans to attract thousands to City Plaza through new strategic partnerships, new festival line-up, and on-going marketing initiatives. Conventions, special events, and target marketing of large employees with discount days boosted 2013 sales and traffic for the season resulting in a 35% increase from the 2012 season. Other contributing factors include the increase in general population, highly-attended local food festivals, and increase in marketing efforts.
“This is a perfect example of what can happen when the downtown community works together to increase economic opportunities for local farmers and strengthen the quality of life for our downtown employees,” said David Diaz, President and CEO of Downtown Raleigh Alliance. “The Market offers North Carolina’s best farm-fresh products to consumers and continues to serve as a vibrant gathering place for the Raleigh community.”
With approximately forty-four new street-level business openings and new residential projects planned, the Market is poised to increase foot traffic and sales this year.
The 2014 Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market season will begin May 7 with the opening day Pig Pickin’ Kickoff and will run Wednesdays until November 5.
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About Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market
Produced by Downtown Raleigh Alliance, the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market strives to be a guiding force in shaping the environmental, social, and financial health of downtown by bringing the highest quality local growers and food artisans together to the Raleigh community. The downtown market contributes to the sustainability and success of downtown by serving as a community gathering place, a vehicle for a regional economy, and a center for fresh, local food. The downtown market is made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. We would also like to thank Wellness Sponsor Rex Healthcare. For more information, visit RaleighEatLocal.com.
About Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA)
DRA is an award-winning nonprofit organization whose mission is to continue the revitalization of Raleigh’s downtown. The Alliance enhances the quality of life and positively impacts the economic success of downtown through five services: 1. Safety, Hospitality & Clean Ambassadors; 2. Strategic Branding & Community Communications; 3. Special Events Production & City Plaza Programming; 4. Retail Attraction & Merchant Promotions; and 5. Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement. For more information about DRA, please visit www.youRhere.com.