The third annual PA Wilds Conservation Shop Buyer’s Market will be held on March 2 in the Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room at Clarion University.

This one-day trade show connects retail establishments with quality wares, gifts, foods and beverages crafted in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Orders for PA Wilds Made products can be placed in bulk at wholesale pricing for qualified buyers.

Hosted by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship and the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania, in partnership with the Clarion University Small Business Development Center, the Buyer’s Market is a “made local, sell local” themed event.

“The Buyer’s Market is a great opportunity for retailers to meet local artisans from the PA Wilds and purchase unique handcrafted items. As a retail manager I see firsthand how much customers appreciate the value of locally-made goods,” said Libby Bloomquist, who oversees the PA Wilds Conservation Shop. “This event also allows the public to shop for products from artisans who may be from more remote locations in the Wilds that they may not normally have access to. In addition, the Buyer’s Market enables us to make decisions on new items that we will be carrying in the PA Wilds Conservation Shop.”

The trade show format allows buyers to browse products and make selections on the spot if desired.

The show is open exclusively to retailers from 9:00 a.m. to Noon for wholesale buying (registration is required). A free public showcase will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (no registration required).

Retail and small business statistics support the shop local movement for rural communities in the Pennsylvania Wilds. 

On average 48 percent of each purchase at local independent businesses was recirculated locally, compared to less than 14 percent of purchases at chain stores, according to the research firm Civic Economics and the American Independent Business Alliance.

In addition, the Andersonville Study of Retail Economics found that local business generates 70 percent more local economic activity per square foot than big box retail.

The Pennsylvania Wilds region includes the counties of Warren, Forest, Elk, Potter, McKean, Tioga, Clinton, Lycoming, Clearfield, Jefferson, Cameron and Clarion, Northern Centre.

Who Should Attend

-- Retailers: Wilds Cooperative Trading Posts, retailers, gift shops and other small businesses interested in carrying locally-made products from the Pennsylvania Wilds. The market will be open exclusively to buyers from 9:00 to Noon, allowing for one-on-one time to review product lines and meet the makers.

Retailers can also learn about joining the Wilds Cooperative as Trading Posts. Retailers can pre-register using the code online through February 18, 2019, to receive free admission and one complimentary travel mug per registration while supplies last, or register at the door. The cost at the door is $10/retailer.

-- Shoppers: Members of the general public can attend for free and purchase goods crafted in the PA Wilds from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

-- Producers: Producers in the PA Wilds making art, wares, gift items, food and beverage that want to sell their goods to retail outlets. Producer exhibitors must be members of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. If not yet a member, producers can apply for membership to The Wilds Cooperative first. Event registration due by February 18, 2019.

Learn More

For more information or to register for the Buyer’s Market, visit the PA Wilds Conservation Shop Buyer’s Market webpage.

[Posted: Oct. 8, 2018]

10/15/2018