On Wednesday, the Alpena Downtown Development Authority announced four of six businesses that will be included in the new market downtown.

Those four businesses include Knaebe’s Apple Farm Ciderworks in the larger 12 by 24-feet space used as a taproom, and Birch Hill Grocery, Mana Wellness, and Calia’s Empurrium each selling their merchandise in 10 by 12-feet cabins. The other two businesses were expected to be announced later in the week.

As News staff writer Steve Schulwitz reported on Thursday, DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry said the businesses that were selected will provide a good blend of options for people who visit the market.

Of the businesses that have been finalized, most have mentioned that they have been looking for a chance to expand their business, some of which specifically wanted to see what Alpena has to offer.

For example, Knaebe’s owner, Scott Kromer, said Knaebe’s has been looking to grow for a while, and this could be an opportunity to test the demand in the area without fully committing to the cause.

This new market, whose name should be finalized soon, is the perfect chance for businesses to test the market in Alpena and see how locals respond or contribute to its success.

We’re excited to not only see the way that the market comes together, but to see the potential that it brings with it.

Each business that visits can see what the demand is like in the area which could lead to them creating a more permanent establishment in the area when they start to see success and interest.

Gentry said the market has seen lots of interest, so it’s possible that if one shop leaves the market to either find a new location or explore other options, there is a solid chance of finding a replacement and continuing that cycle of opportunities.

The DDA is hopeful the market will be open in time for the Alpena Flower Festival, which begins on June 6.

The opening of the market is just the beginning of the possible successful turnaround and positive impact it could have on retail in the downtown area.

Support local businesses by shopping downtown and checking out the new market once it’s up and running.