Sept. 18, 2024

A major new way to shop local opens this week in Tea.

Makers Exchange will open its first phase Thursday. The new building is at 102 E. Venture Place near Interstate 29 and the Tea interchange, north of Casey’s General Store.

There are 78 independently owned businesses ready to open, offering home decor and furniture, clothing and accessories, artwork and crafts, pet items,  toys, and health and beauty products.

“What I’m impressed with is that each booth is truly a reflection of that individual business,” co-owner Bobbi Thury said. “There aren’t any booths that are alike, and you can see that each business owner weaves their heart and soul into every detail of their unique collection and space.”

Most makers are from the Sioux Falls metro area, but others come from northwest Iowa, Minnesota and Lake Andes in south-central South Dakota.

Work is still going on the market side, which will add a dozen food vendors and offer artisan waffles and coffee drinks.

“It pains me we aren’t done with construction yet on the market side as I think once that is done and the full experience is there for customers, it will be amazing and truly a one-of-a-kind experience,” Thury said.

“There is a huge variety of goods.”

Makers Exchange fills a void left in the area when Stacey’s Vintage-Art-Boutique was forced to close with a road project in the area.

“We really hope Makers Exchange becomes a destination for our local shoppers who want to support local business and for those who are traveling and visiting South Dakota to find things uniquely South Dakota made,” Thury said.

The hope is to open the market in early October and then hold a grand opening.

There’s also a big event planned for the holiday season — a European Christmas Market in December. It was inspired by open-air markets in Europe and will include European-inspired drinks and delicacies, holiday entertainment and shopping.

“We are hoping this market will become a tradition and draw people in to experience an open-air Christkindl market,” Thury said.

Regular hours for Makers Exchange will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.