Downtown Detroit Markets

Since 2017, the Downtown Detroit Markets have created a magical and memorable holiday experience in Cadillac Square for Detroiters and visitors alike. Now in its eighth year, the Downtown Detroit Markets have served as a launchpad for more than 160 small businesses, collectively generating more than $6 million in sales.

Goals

Showcase a diverse and unique selection of products to highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of artisans and small businesses in Metro Detroit

Provide a platform for both established and emerging businesses, supporting their growth and contributing to the local economy

Encourage consumers to shop local and support small businesses during the busiest shopping season of the year

Cultivate a festive and welcoming atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the holidays for families, residents and visitors

The Downtown Detroit Markets are funded by the Gilbert Family Foundation and managed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership with support from Bedrock and TechTown.

Ideal Downtown Detroit Markets Candidate

We’re looking for product-based businesses selling family-friendly merchandise. The following is a list of what makes an ideal candidate. If you think you meet the majority of these criteria, we encourage you to still apply!

An ideal candidate for the Downtown Detroit Markets will meet the following criteria:

Vendors must be selling a product. Service-based businesses will not be accepted.

Products cannot contain alcohol, tobacco, drugs or weapons.

Vendors cannot be a current Bedrock retail tenant.

Vendors cannot be currently employed by Rocket Companies or any of its subsidiaries.

Vendors cannot be a multi-level marketing business.

Vendors must be registered with the State of Michigan and have a valid MI Sales Tax License.

Vendors must be able to staff their shops for 50-hour weeks with no absences or closures.

Any food-based businesses must be pre-packaged, handheld items. They must be produced in a licensed commercial kitchen or produced by copacker. Nutritional labels are required.

Vendors must have been in business for at least two (2) years and generated a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $500,000 in revenue by time of application.

Prior participation in other large pop-up events is preferred (e.g. Eastern Market, All Things Detroit, Art Fairs, etc.).

Vendors must have the ability to carry a minimum $1,000,000 general liability insurance policy.

Vendors should have a well-rounded online presence. Website is preferred but not required. Social media presence on at least one channel (Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok) is required.

Vendors should have a broad appeal and not a niche product.

Apparel must be able to be purchased without having to be tried on.

Vendors must have a variety of price points with the majority of products under $100.

Key Dates

Applications Open: May 1, 2025

Info Session 1: Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 6PM – 7PM | Check back to register online

Info Session 2: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 6PM – 7PM | Check back to register online

Info Session 3: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 6PM – 7PM | Check back to register online

Applications Close: 11:59PM on May 28, 2025

Application Status: Applicants will be notified of their application status by July 9, 2025

Markets Operating Dates: The markets will be open to the public from November 12, 2025 to January 4, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Participating market vendors must be open during all designated market hours. Hours of operation:
- Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 11AM – 8PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11AM – 10PM
  Hours are subject to change for holidays.
Vendors are chosen by a selection committee comprised of representatives from Bedrock, Downtown Detroit Partnership, Gilbert Family Foundation, TechTown and leaders from a variety of Detroit small businesses.
If selected, vendors must pay a one-time, upfront $1,500 rent deposit and one additional payment of either $600 or $1,000 during the season, dependent on the size of the assigned space.
We’ll be hosting three (3) information sessions to go over more specific details about the markets and what makes a good applicant. Please refer to our Key Dates section for the most updated information.
This season, we are looking for the following variety* of businesses. *Please note, we reserve the right to adjust this target selection based upon actual application submissions.
- Two (2) Apparel (men’s clothing, women’s clothing, unisex clothing)
- Two (2) Accessories (handbags, jewelry, winter hats, scarves, etc.)
- One (1) Wellness & Beauty/Grooming (candles, skincare, etc.)
- Three (3) Home Goods (décor, books, glassware, etc.)
- Two (2) Children’s Clothing/Toys
- Six (6) Gifting, including Food and Beverage (Holiday-specific gifts, Detroit-themed gifts, pre-packaged and sealed food/non-alcoholic drinks, etc.)
We have two sizes available. Chosen vendors will be assigned a 10x10 or 10x13 space.
Our team will provide you with Wi-Fi, heat, electricity, discounted parking, individual keys to your space, security for the space and furniture (point-of-sale counter, stool, shelving units and clothing racks).
Yes! Each chosen vendor will get $3,000 to help support their business during and after the season. These funds can be spent on anything other than inventory and staffing costs. Additionally, you’ll have support and mentoring from TechTown throughout the season.