From designer treasures to vintage wares, Marketplace JC — formerly 6th Borough Market — has been a weekend ritual for years. Straight after a successful run at Journal Square, market organizer Natalie Pereira tells us how she’s turning the traditional flea market into the city’s first traveling pop-up market.
How long have you been running Marketplace JC and how did the idea come about?
Natalie Pereira: I took over the market almost two years ago. I had been with (then) 6th Borough Market since its beginning in 2013 as one of the original vendors (I sell under the name Ironbound Vintage). I had been a long time vendor at that point at Brooklyn Flea and loved the idea of having a similar style market operating in Jersey City. At the time, there wasn’t anything like it happening in Jersey City.
The idea for the market originated with a woman named Kate. A few years ago Kate moved to Maine, so she made the decision to have it change hands. That’s where I came in.
Trying to pick a favorite neighborhood is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child! Each place can feel completely different and the same all at once.
We had the same overall vision, which is to provide as many opportunities as possible for local independent makers, chefs, and vintage vendors to reach as wide an audience as possible to help them grow their business. It’s also really important to provide opportunities for people in the community to come and hang out together.
Jersey City is one of those unique places where, even though it’s big, it feels like a small community, a place where people seek out ways to meet and get to know each other. It’s really special in that way.
Marketplace JC is now operating as a pop-up market throughout JC and beyond. How did this change come about?
Natalie: This was actually part of my vision after talking to a lot of people last year. I was surprised by how many people were coming from other neighborhoods to shop, eat, and spend the day with us. At every market I was asked if I would consider switching up the neighborhood from time to time. When I started to see that people were willing to travel to come see us, I decided that restructuring could help everyone: Our vendors get to expand to new areas and our attendees don’t always have to travel as far. It’s a win-win.
This summer Marketplace JC teamed up with Journal Squared and the JSQ SID for the Magnolia Landing Summer Series. What did you enjoy most about the new venue and can we expect to see it again in 2018?
Natalie: One of the nicest things about the Magnolia Landing Summer Series was finally getting to be at Journal Square! I can’t tell you how many emails and personal conversations I had with area residents who were excited to have something going on in their neighborhood. Popping up in a new place brings challenges, for sure, but you forget how exhausted you are when you start talking to people who are just excited that you’re there. It really is the best part for me!
Journal Squared and the JSQ SID have also been spectacular to work with. They provided all the tents, music, and tables that you saw at Magnolia Landing. I can be pretty intense when it comes to details and they were right there making sure we got every detail right.
As far as 2018 is concerned, our hope is to be there again next year as well as several more places throughout Jersey City and beyond.
What neighborhood has been your favorite?
Natalie: Trying to pick a favorite neighborhood is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child! Each place can feel completely different and the same all at once.
This season, we were in the Heights and Exchange Place as part of the Riverview Jazz Festival, Journal Square, and soon to be at Liberty Harbor and The Village. In our inaugural year, we were at Hamilton Park before moving behind City Hall. Last season we were also downtown at The Morgan for three dates.
Ultimately, every place is great because of the family of vendors, our attendees, and the overall vibe. We’ve had days when we had the worst weather and you could still walk through the market and hear us laughing and making the best of it.
Where can we find Marketplace JC this fall? Will there be a Marketplace JC during the holidays?
Natalie: Autumn is going to be our busiest season! We’re joining up with Liberty Harbor for their block party on Saturday, September 23. We’re also linking up with the Village Neighborhood Association for the Village Block Party on Sunday, October 1.
This autumn we’ve also joined up with the Oktober Family Festival in Little Falls and will be doing a run at Kearny Point on Mondays. Additionally, we’ve become the booking company for other events outside of our own, including Bridge Arts Festival in Bayonne and the Multicultural Festival in Harrison.
So even when we’re not operating as Marketplace JC in some other areas, we’re the company behind these events bringing local vendors to new areas.
As far as a holiday market is concerned, we have a really fun idea in development for a weekend in December in a beautiful location. The details are still being worked out! And we’re always open to new ideas and suggestions!
What’s the best way to stay connected with Marketplace JC?
Natalie: We’ve added an events section to our website, which is constantly being updated. We’re also on Instagram, Facebook,and Twitter. If you’re a vendor looking to join us, the only way to get early news about new opportunities it to be a part of our database.
What will the next few years bring for Marketplace JC?
Natalie: More expansion. Part of the reason behind the renaming is that there’s a larger plan in place for us with the overarching name Marketplace NJ, with our Jersey City market being just one part of the picture.
We’re also really loving all of of our collaborations with different nonprofits and neighborhood groups. By linking up with different groups, we’ve been able to help them raise funds to help sustain their organizations and continue their growth. It has truly been one of the highlights of this season.
(Photos: Natalie Pereira)
