Union Market Mankato

Union Market, a colorful, modern marketplace housed in historic downtown Mankato, was reopened to the public by Gina Moorhead in 2020 with a more cohesive and unique identity. Union Market carries the collections of more than 80 artisans and small businesses, 35 of which from Minnesota - including apparel for women, men and children, apothecary, accessories, art, vintage, home, houseplants and more.

When Moorhead moved to Mankato, a sign downtown caught her eye. “Coming in 2018, Micro Shops,” it read outside a vacant building at 615 S Front St. Fast forward to seven months later and Moorhead was painting the walls and picking out fixtures; she had been hired as General Manager, which, in turn, made it possible for other local brands to join her in selling a variety of products in the space. Seven brands from local artists and small businesses started offering their products under the Union Market roof in June 2019. By its Grand Opening of August, the number of vendors doubled, and by Thanksgiving, there were 42. Overwhelmed by the amount of individual leases, the property managers decided to put the building back on the market. Disappointed and wishing not to lose Union Market, which represented much more than just a space, Moorhead decided to take charge of the 4,000 sq ft Market by herself. 

Instead of using micro shops as a model, the market was reorganized into a department store by Gina’s creative approach. “It made more sense to have an accessories department, an art department, as well as areas for gifts, home, apparel kids, kitchen and apothecary and houseplants. All vendors are mixed together into cohesive departments, with some doing wholesale and others consignment.” Moorhead said.  After spending time reorganizing during COVID closures, The grand reveal of the new version of the market took place in October, 2020.

Raising sales % in # of months.

A
ACC Art Books, Ada Chappell, Aesthetea Tea, Amber Rahe, AnnMadeInMN, Ashley Mary, Askanya Chocolates, Aytchee

B
Bali Harvest, Barefoot Books, Baubles & Bobbies, Bear Den, Beasley & Co, Bella Tunno, Bell Mountain Soaps, Blossoms Little Flower

C
Calyan, Candy Club, Cedar and Cypress, Celina Kane, Chloe Rogge, Coyote and Bee, Crochet Gay, Crochet Geek

D
Demi Blue, Design Works, Distillery Soap

E
Eagle Falcon, Emmy L, Elseware Vintage

F
FaceTory, Flair City Supply, Fly Paper, Funatic

G
Galloping Goat, Gathered Goods, Gina Marie

H
Half Moon Farms, Hovden, Hunters Reserve

J
Jenna Gibson, Judy’s Vintage Tee's , Julie O’s Knitting

K
Katrina Beauty Supplies, KFly, Kitsch

L
Larissa Loden, Laura Smith, Little Lovelies Studio, Liv Rocks, Lou's Libations

M
Maika, Mission Hammocks, Musee

N
Naturally Funky, New Gardens, Nicole Marie Paperie, North Mallow

O
Olivia Keri

P
Paddywax, Paisley Paper Co, Pat H’s Art, Pink Pig, Pretty Alright Goods, Punkster Baby

R
Rita Prahl, River Valley, Rob Winters, Ruby3 by Anna Lee, Rugs & More

S
Sassy Lass, Soda Pup, Steel Dog, Scatterbrain Vintage

T
Terracotta Blush, The Found, The Rainbow Vision, Tom W’s woodwork, True Ethic

W
Warmies, Watermelon Road, Wood Stove Kitchen

Y
Yellow Brick Pottery

Z
Zandra

What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead. What

As seen in The Mankato Free Press

Union Market and its vendors are committed to advancing equality and fair trade. Our efforts include equal pay, living wages and supporting minority owned businesses. As a member of the city’s center Greater Mankato Growth, Union Market values transparency, quality (of products and services), and honesty.

Union Market believes in the value of diversity. Therefore, we joined other retailers across the country, in dedicating 15 percent of shelf space to products made by Black-owned companies. Founded by Aurora James, The 15 Percent Pledge seeks economic equality and prosperity for Black future founders, Black students, and Black people in the workforce.

Our core values are also shared by our vendors:

• Calyan Candles: 5% of profits go to partner nonprofits to help end human sex trafficking in America. 

• Celina Kane: 20% of Conpom earring sales goes to funding for planned parenthood.

• Bella Tunno: For every product sold, Bella Tunno gives a meal (sometimes more) to a child in need. Buy one feed one.

• Chloe Rogge: 50% of the “More Love” sticker sales are donated to the NAACP.

• Maika Each quarter Maika selects a charity or organization that speaks to their heart and dedicates a portion of proceeds to the selected cause. Maika has donated to BLM, UCSF Benioff's Children's Hospital Foundation, The Loveland Foundation, and The Conscious Kid.

• Sassy Lass: Sassy Lass’s business and ethos was inspired by the rise of the #metoo movement after the 2016 election and donate’s 5% of profits.

The market also served as a welcoming community space for hosting a movie night, beer tasting, painting classes, photoshoots, and more. Successful events have included: 

• Intro to Illustration, with artist Ashley Siehler (Coyote & Bee Studio) sharing tips and tricks for all drawing enthusiasts and illustration lovers. 

• Crochet lessons with Jasmine, where Jasmine Davilar (The Crochet Gay) demos fun and easy crochet techniques. Supplies for all events are provided by the market, and guests are encouraged to take home their own projects. 

• Tips for any Small Business, with Amy Klugherz (attorney, life coach and business expert), who not only discussed tips for small businesses or those considering starting a business but also offered headshots with a photographer.