[Seedsheet 1] Expanding Your Farmers Market: A Practical Guide to Growth, Vendors & Community

Expanding a farmers market, increasing vendor participation, and attracting more customers requires a strategic approach that balances operational improvements, community engagement, and targeted promotion. Here are the key steps:

1. Assess and Plan for Expansion

  • Evaluate Current Market Performance: Analyze customer traffic, vendor sales, and feedback.

  • Determine Goals: Define whether the expansion is focused on size, product variety, days of operation, or geographic reach.

  • Secure Space & Infrastructure: Ensure the venue can accommodate more vendors/customers (e.g., more stalls, parking, restrooms, seating).

  • Review Regulations: Consult with local authorities for permits, zoning, health, and safety compliance.

2. Attract and Support More Vendors

  • Identify Vendor Gaps: Look for missing product categories (e.g., meat, dairy, ethnic foods, crafts).

  • Incentivize Participation: Offer affordable booth fees, startup support, or marketing exposure.

  • Simplify Onboarding: Provide clear vendor application processes and orientation materials.

  • Foster Community: Build relationships with current vendors to encourage referrals and collaboration.

3. Improve Customer Experience

  • Enhance Amenities: Add shade, seating, restrooms, and entertainment to improve comfort.

  • Accept SNAP/EBT & Incentives: Enable food assistance programs to attract lower-income shoppers.

  • Host Events & Demonstrations: Live music, cooking demos, kids’ activities, and seasonal festivals draw crowds and encourage longer visits.

4. Market Effectively

  • Leverage Social Media: Regular updates, vendor highlights, event promotions, and stories via Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

  • Partner with Local Media & Influencers: Use local newspapers, radio, and influencers for broader reach.

  • Utilize Signage & Flyers: Place materials in community centers, cafes, libraries, and schools.

  • Create a Website or App: Centralize vendor listings, schedules, events, and contact info.

5. Engage the Community

  • Partner with Local Organizations: Schools, nonprofits, and health clinics can help expand reach and co-host events.

  • Encourage Customer Feedback: Use surveys and suggestion boxes to identify improvement areas.

  • Loyalty Programs: Offer punch cards or reward systems for frequent shoppers.

6. Monitor and Adapt

  • Track Metrics: Monitor attendance, sales volume, vendor retention, and marketing performance.

  • Pilot New Ideas: Test new vendor types, entertainment, or hours on a small scale.

  • Stay Flexible: Be open to vendor input and customer needs to evolve over time.

Final Word:

A vibrant market reflects the heart of its neighborhood. When you welcome culture, nourish community, and support local growers—you’re not just managing a market. You’re cultivating a movement.

Let’s Grow Together

Want more tools, templates, and support?

Join the Growing Augusta community and get access to:

  • Downloadable workbooks

  • Mini-courses + training

  • Vendor resources

  • Strategy calls + consulting services

🔗 Visit us at:

www.GrowingAugusta.com

📬 Subscribe to our newsletter

📱 Follow us on Instagram @GrowingAugusta

K Gordon