By: Gizela Kwihangana
OMAHA, Neb. — The Old Market Farmers Market is nearing the end of its season, but for some vendors, closing day does not mean their businesses stop.
The market gives local vendors a consistent place to sell their products, meet customers, and build connections throughout the season. For some small businesses, the market also helps them stay visible to customers who may continue buying from them after the outdoor season ends.
“I think it’s different for different vendors,” Omaha Farmers Market Executive Director Kristen Beck said. “Some have brick and mortars that they sell out of during the off-season and during season, some sell online, some sell through other stores.”
Parthenon Catering has participated in the market for decades. Tyler Hale, an employee with the business, said its focus changes when farmers’ market season ends.
“We shift our focus to a more catering-focused business, but we also do an amazing soup-only pop-up restaurant in the wintertime,” Hale said.
The transition also requires planning. Hale said Parthenon gradually reduces its inventory as the season winds down.
“The idea is to sell as much stuff as you can and as little waste as possible,” Hale said.
Nava Living Co., which sells organic loose-leaf herbal tea, takes a different approach after the market closes.
“We just keep pushing, keep striving,” Nava Living Co. representative Dequavius McNair said. “We’ve got TikTok, so we’ve got social media, and then it’s also other markets that are coming up.”
McNair said customers can also purchase products online, with shipping and delivery available.
For these vendors, the end of the farmers’ market season changes where they meet customers rather than ending their business.
The final Saturday of the Old Market Farmers Market this season is Oct. 10. Customers who want to continue supporting vendors after the season ends can visit the Omaha Farmers Market website, which includes a list of participating vendors and information on where to find them.
