A recent visit to Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market made me wonder — as I have for years — why our City Market can’t be good. Somehow, Philly’s amazing market, located in part of the city’s still-used downtown rail terminal, has succeeded since 1893.
First, it has something ours doesn’t: regular customers. With the right mix of nearby residents, regional visitors and tourists supporting the market, the place rocks. Every day. During my four-day trip, I ate at least one meal a day at the Reading Terminal Market.
Since returning, my family and I visited our City Market to puzzle over its current failure and consider its potential for success now that the city is going to pump a few million more dollars into the place.
We enjoyed the farmers market outside — picking up fresh produce, juices and tasty crepes for breakfast. But the inside of the market was a sad affair. Nothing much appealing that was open, tons of empty space. You know the story.
Since that visit, I’ve been brainstorming some ideas for the market. Here they are:
- Make it really easy for people to figure out when the market is open — and not just the farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays — with info posted at the entrances and fliers available around the city.
- Target Downtown people with coupons for a free cup of coffee (not in a Styrofoam cup) or a tasty baked treat if they visit the market. Offer similar rewards for coming back.
- Move the farmers market inside. In the empty spaces, put the vendors, musical entertainment and anybody who wants a table to promote a good cause. The Winter Market on East Street felt vibrant each week. Bring that energy to this building.
- Focus on the outdoor courtyard for eating and drinking. If a bar is going to work anywhere in the market, it needs to be on street level.
I’m sure many of you have your own ideas as well. Let’s hope that smart thinking goes along with new spending, and the market can become the kind of place !locals and visitors alike enjoy.
