By Meaghan Brophy
Starting from small roots, Yuma Indoor Marketplace is now a staple in the Yuma area community. Founded in 2010 as an outdoor venue with 30 exhibitors, the notorious Arizona dust storms caused owners Sonia Barajas and Jeff Marriott to seek alternative options for the market’s location. Almost six years later, Yuma Indoor Marketplace is now one of the largest indoor markets of its kind in Yuma, AZ.
The market is located in the heart of the Yuma community in a busy shopping center within walking distance to the airport, and right across the street from a popular local dog park. The site offers free parking and admission. Unlike most outdoor markets in the area, the air-conditioned venue enables Yuma Indoor Marketplace to stay open year-round. Seasonal market hours change, with the market hours from September – April open Thursday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm. During the warmer months of May – August, the marketplace is open on a more limited schedule.
The Yuma Indoor Marketplace prides themselves in creating a fun and engaging experience for all who visit. The market has regular events, such as their ever-popular ‘December To Remember’ shopping spree, various raffles, and trivia giveaways. One of the vendors offers free balloon twisting and cotton candy during special events; and many other vendors have contests and giveaways for customers. The marketplace regularly offers complimentary coffee at the market’s snack shack. For our furry friends, Yuma Indoor Marketplace welcomes small pets, and even provides doggie bags for use while shopping.
Yuma Indoor Marketplace is a convenient, clean and organized market. Unlike regular swap meets where many vendors show similar goods, Yuma Indoor Marketplace ensures they have a wide product variety and that no two vendors sell the exact same name brand products. “This allows vendors to really grow their business,” explains Barajas, “This is a great stepping stone.” Visitors can expect a family-friendly, diverse market with unique products including clothing, jewelry, glasses, essential oils, books, golfing gear & repair, tackle shop, guitars, pottery, skincare, furniture, home décor, woodwork, handcrafted products, collectibles, handmade soap, exotic jerky, hot sauce, gourmet goods, and services such as computer repair and a copy center. The wide assortment ensures that visitors can take their time at the market, and that each booth will be different from the previous one.
Yuma Indoor Marketplace always has various promotions for customers to enjoy as they shop. The market website, www.yumaindoormarketplace.com, contains an updated listing of all the vendors and a floor map so shoppers can plan their trip ahead of time. Yuma Indoor Marketplace also has an engaging Facebook page detailing promotions, contests and sales.
In addition to providing an exceptional experience for visitors, Yuma Indoor Marketplace also maintains a strong relationship with the surrounding Yuma community. The Yuma Indoor Marketplace has held raffles, gift baskets and many local fundraisers. In addition to organizing fundraisers for neighborhood schools, the marketplace donates exhibitor space to local non-profit organizations. They have provided booths for the Yuma Breast and Cervical Coalition, United Way as well as an informational visitors’ booth. The Yuma Chamber of Commerce is also among the exhibitors in the marketplace.
Yuma Indoor Marketplace’s lively atmosphere, community involvement, and indoor venue have transformed their market into a primary fixture within the neighborhood. Last season alone, the market hosted over 100,000 visitors from November through April. Shoppers and vendors alike can depend on their consistency and experience during rain, wind, or shine.
Yuma Indoor Marketplace
2800 S. Pacific Ave.
Yuma, AZ 85365
Tel.: 928-345-4665
Website: www.yumaindoormarketplace.com