Ever since its debut on June 23, 2013, the Clement Street Farmer’s Market has been a favorite stop for residents on Sunday mornings to pick up fresh, organic foods and mingle with neighbors.
The market runs on Clement Street from 2nd Avenue to 4th Avenue every Sunday from 9am until 2pm, closing off both blocks to cars (including parking). Attendance is routinely high, even on foggy days that the Richmond District is known for. Vendors often sell out of their wares by market close, and on October 27, to coincide with the Clement Street Sunday Streets, the market will be extended by 2 blocks.
This Thursday at 9am, the SFMTA Division of Sustainable Streets will hold another hearing to consider extending the street closures on the two blocks of Clement Street that are required to hold the Farmer’s Market. If approved, the Farmer’s Market would be able to continue until June 22, 2014 when the SFMTA would once again evaluate the weekly event.
Given that the market is so popular with residents, why wouldn’t it be approved to continue? The push back comes from some merchants who have seen a decline in business since the market started.
We’ve spoken to a few merchants since the market opened in June. All are in favor of the market and its community benefits, but they have also struggled to find ways to meet their revenue goals in spite of it. The lack of parking for their customers, decreased visibility for their storefronts, and competition from market vendors are the main reasons they have second thoughts about the weekly gathering.
Q Restaurant (225 Clement) has always enjoyed a brisk brunch business on Sundays. But since the market began, Sunday revenues are down. Q had their own taco stand at the market when it launched, positioned just outside their front door in hopes of raising awareness and attracting strollers in to the restaurant to dine. And while taco sales were swift, it did not translate to increased dine-in revenues. And with the market not closing down until 2pm, Q also misses much of its Sunday lunch crowd.
Sparky’s Balloons (115 Clement) has seen a similar decline in sales as many party-throwers struggle to pick up their orders on Sunday mornings since they can no longer pull up to the store. And like most merchants along the two blocks of the market, Sparky’s storefront is rendered nearly invisible by vendor tents. The produce market at 4th and Geary has complained that competition from the Farmer’s Market has negatively affected their sales.
For as many merchants that complain, there are as many who are ecstatic about the farmer’s market presence on Clement Street. Cumaica Coffee (200 Clement), on the corner between the two blocks of the market, is thriving on Sundays. So far, there are no drip coffee vendors in the market, so when shoppers are seeking a jolt, Cumaica is the go-to spot. Their new parklet also offers a popular gathering spot during the market’s hours.
Seedstore Clothing (212 Clement) has seen a similar uptick in foot traffic. The store is routinely busy on Sundays, as shoppers wander in to check out their selection of men’s and women’s clothing. And four blocks away, Foggy Notion Boutique (275 6th Avenue) has enjoyed a surge in traffic, opening earlier on Sundays to take advantage of the Clement Street crowds. Their sandwich board placed near the Farmer’s Market info booth helps drive awareness.
Thursday’s hearing, which takes place at 9am at the SFMTA, will likely be a formality since the approval at question is only for another 6 months. If approved, the SFMTA would re-evaluate the market in June 2014, when they may consider a permanent approval for the required street closures.
Despite overwhelming support from residents for the market, including several thousand signatures gathered in favor of its continuance, the hearing will likely include negative feedback from some of the merchants whose businesses have been adversely affected since the market began in June.
Foggy Notion owner Alissa Anderson, a member of the Clement Street Merchants Association, is asking residents to come out to Thursday’s meeting in support of the market, to ensure its future.
“It is super important for people to show up if they want the Farmers Market to continue. Regardless of how many signatures are provided in favor of it, at prior meetings a couple of business owners have shown up with negative reactions to it that have jeopardized the existence of it for things like complaints about lack of parking or competition. In-person physical support by neighbors and especially business owners is crucial to combat the naysayers and show that is truly benefits the majority of the local community,” Anderson said.
Thursday’s hearing will be held at the SFMTA, 1 South Van Ness, 7th Floor at 9am.
What do you think? Are you in favor of the Farmer’s Market continuing? Are there changes you’d like to see made to the market’s format or hours? Leave a comment to let us know.
UPDATE 10/24/13 12:25pm: The SFMTA approved the required street closures during the hearing, so the market will continue through June 2014 (when it will be re-evaluated).
Sarah B.
“The produce market at 4th and Geary has complained that competition from the Farmer’s Market has negatively affected their sales” — this surprises me; would’ve though the audiences for cheap produce and biodynamic cruelty-free arugula wouldn’t overlap much. That’s a bummer about Q though; I’m not really sure *what* to think.
I signed the petition to keep the market going, though I do understand the struggles of some of the great businesses in our neighborhood.
I wish the hearing was at a more convenient time so that I could make it, but I guess I’ll just have to read about it later.
I wouldn’t mind a smaller market, though – the one in the Sunset is smaller than ours but is still great.
While I understand the concerns regarding loss of revenue, simply shutting down the market is a lazy way to deal with the situation. If a business cannot figure out how to capitalize off of hundreds of new people being exposed to their business and the clement business district in general, they are in for hard times one way or the other.
I love the Clement St. farmer’s market — would be extremely bummed if it doesn’t continue.
The Clement St farmer’s market is the best thing to happen to this neighborhood in ages! I’d be very sad to see it go.
I also love the farmer’s market as Clement Street currently lacks some of the produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, etc. quality and diversity that it brings. I agree that if Clement Street merchants can’t capitalize on the increased foot traffic it isn’t fair to penalize the local community of people like myself who enjoy having a new destination to shop – especially one that is walkable and focuses on local specialties. In terms of Q, I don’t understand how business could have slowed down as I see Eats down the street packed to the brim despite the new market. Perhaps it is a matter of what brings the most value to the community – I love Q for dinner but personally for lunch/brunch I love having the option of a cheap tamale vs. a more expensive sit down restaurant.
Couldn’t they put the market stalls back to back down the middle of the street, so that shoppers stroll between the businesses & shops; able to see both? I know I do a loop as I shop – cruise down the south side stalls first; then the north side ones. I think it would still promote community interaction.
And couldn’t some sort of curb side pick up service be set up on Arguello for the balloon shop? If you have a Sunday order, just call when a block away & the staff can deliver the balloons to the curb? The likelihood of getting a parking spot right in front of ANY business on Clement is pretty rare!
Overall I really like the market – for the option of fresh, organic produce that you know where it’s from vs the markets on Clement; plus I usually stop into at least 2 or 3 shops on Clement on my way home.
Absolutely love it! It adds a lot to the neighborhood. Keep it going!
I emailed Eric Mar about this issue specifically as well as commenting about it here. Doesn’t surprise me that a hip coffee shop with new parklet benefits, whereas a long-standing immigrant-owned produce market does not. You’d be a fool to not recognize the trends that tech money follows.
That being said, it’s OK for you to support the market and it’s vendors, but to pretend you ALSO care about the business it negatively impacts is lame. Just admit you prefer artisan bread and coffee over multiculturalism and diversity. Admit that and I’d at least respect the lot of you.
@Susan, are you really asking an existing businesses customers to “call when a block away & the staff can deliver the balloons to the curb?” Really? Should they also hire another worker to deliver those balloons so the shop isn’t unattended? Naive, selfish and inconsiderate. How about the market doesn’t step on the toes of those who pay RENT for their brick-and-mortar space!
Glad to see this post. This market has been massively successful and Supervisor Mar is excited to back its renewal. Our office is also happy that it’s working for the great majority of merchants, and our enthusiasm is partly rooted in how well responsive the market’s managers have been.
Jessica, the Market Manager, has graciously worked with every single merchant that has expressed concerns, including helping Giorgio’s Pizzeria find space for their delivery vehicle to making an open space in front of Q to aide visibility.
Also appreciate that Sparky’s shared their concerns here– I at once emailed them to talk about loading spaces and other ways we can help their business work with the market. (Along the lines of what Susan mentioned above, though maybe even 3nd Ave could work too.
Spot issues here and there aside, it is clear that thousands of Richmond residents love and want this market. If anyone has any concerns that need problem solving, just reach out to me (contact below) and we’ll make it happen.
Peter Lauterborn
Legislative Aide
Supervisor Eric Mar, District 1
Peter.Lauterborn@sfgov.org
Office: (415) 554-7411
I like the farmers market , how ever I dislike hte fact that despite signage saying NO PETS .
Everyone feels the need to bring there dogs,
I dont even mind people passing through with dogs on the sidewalk ,but shopping with them come on .
Its a heath department code.
@Haz Been, do you honestly think that businesses shouldn’t adapt to changing circumstances? Your comment is anti-capitalist. Businesses who don’t change with the times suffer. It is sad that some of the local businesses are having challenges, the response is to find creative solutions. You seem to think things should always remain status quo. Susan’s comments aren’t “naive, selfish and inconsiderate,” they are considerate, solution-building, and empathetic unlike your blanket verbal assault.
I also would re-consider your generic “You’d be a fool to not recognize the trends that tech money follows” comment as well as your black and white thinking. I’m in tech, I live in the area, and I shop at both the farmer’s market *and* the local businesses. That, my friend, is a fact.
considering the dearth of options for purchasing non-pesticide-laden produce in the richmond, i would be heartbroken if the farmer’s market does not continue. i am not in tech–i am just concerned about my family’s health, and love having the option to shop in my own neighborhood rather than have to drive all over town to get high quality food. it also makes me feel good to be out and about with my neighbors, seeing the smiles on market attendees’ faces. we always see someone we know and it helps foster a sense of community that can sometimes be lost when living in the city. i can’t make it to the hearing but the market has our support–110%!!
@ Eric, Bingo! This is endemic of the lack of consideration by the very people I am talking about.
@ Joe, The farmer’s market is the city endoresing one business over another! Those people pay rent for those spaces Monday through Sunday! How dare you infer they “adapt” to the city allowing another vendor, possibly a competing vendor to set-up in front of the brick and mortar business they pay rent, and TAXES for!
I am not against the farmer’s market. I just do not think they should block a street with existing businesses. They should go to Mountain Lake Park, Peabody, or Roosevelt.
Keep the farmers market going!!! Its far more convenient than going to the Sunset or the Ferry Building. I completely agree with @Aryeh: If the current businesses can’t figure out how to capitalize on all these new potential customers, then they certainly are in for a challenge! I’m from the South Bay, and our farmer’s market in Campbell had a similar issue… the solution? Turn the booths around to face the businesses. This forces customers to walk in between and are exposed to both the booths and the shops. (Good call @Susan!) Getting rid of the whole farmers market doesn’t seem like the right thing to do.
I volunteer to go in to Sparky’s myself to talk Sales & Marketing 101.
Dress a clown and pass balloons or crayons with 10% offer for future sales or private children’s parties and they will no longer have a (imaginary) problem!
DUH.
When they learn how to sell to an extra few hundred folks strolling right outside their front door every Sunday, they will be in a position to call themselves a “retailer.”
Laurie
@haz Been: I’m not “inferring,” I’m saying it straight out. I am not being “daring” by doing so, I’m just re-iterating what it means to live in our society as well as the nature of a living city.
“The city endorsing one business over another” is a fallacy. If that were the case, then the city would have asked the brick and mortar shops to close on Sunday. They have not done so, thus there is no preferential treatment.
In fact, the farmer’s market gets more people onto Clement Street thereby giving businesses there more opportunities to shine. Whether they shine or not is not the city’s doing, but those businesses and how they choose to handle increased foot traffic (great idea to make the booths face outwards / the local businesses, by the way).
Finally, the success or failure of a business cannot be blamed on the government. Private citizens make decisions as to where to shop, and private business owners make decisions as to how they run their businesses. If a business fails, it means that the business didn’t meet consumer demand.
If I were a business owner on the street, I’d see this as an opportunity to grow my business. If I succeed or fail: that is on me. I would not and could not blame anyone else, since the opportunity I was given was too great to ignore.
I love the market, please keep it! I shop at both the farmers market and the Asian produce store down the street. Its nice to have options.
Perhaps I haven’t been paying attention. Do the street market vendors pay (rent) for their spaces or is it just a freebie?
I love the market. I am strongly in favor of keeping it.
I also think the current business concerns are totally valid and there should be ways to mitigate if we’re creative.
@haz Been – “you prefer artisan bread and coffee over multiculturalism and diversity” is a really counter-productive attitude. “You’re with us or against us” will simply perpetuate divisions rather than compromise.
What about @susan’s idea of putting the stalls back-to-back down the middle? That sounds interesting. @Peter Lauterborn – is that feasible, do you think? Would it address visibility/access concerns?
Answered my own question. The people behind the event are http://www.agriculturalinstitute.org and vendors pay modest fees to them.
@eric – on a side note – I’m a dog owner and I totally agree, I notice a disappointing number of people in SF ignoring ordinances relating to pets. I see dogs in restaurants, playground, markets, other places where they’re not really supposed to be. Totally irritating especially as I try my best to follow the rules and other people blithely ignore them.
I love the market too. I hope it becomes permanent as the option for local sunday shopping for high quality produce and products *in addition* to my regular shopping in the neighborhood is huge, and long overdue. And I would love for the community here to find a way to work with the local businesses who are negatively impacted and turn that around, and allow them to more effectively capitalize on what ought to be a good opportunity.
“kayvaan said:
What about @susan’s idea of putting the stalls back-to-back down the middle? That sounds interesting. @Peter Lauterborn – is that feasible, do you think? Would it address visibility/access concerns?”
I think that @susan’s idea is a great one in theory, but may prove quite challenging for the market vendors when it comes to load-in/load-out issues. I’d love to hear a perspective on this from @Peter Lauterborn and Eric Mar’s office, and any of the vendors (or the market management) as well. It could be a very cost-effective solution to a large part of the problem for the local merchants (visibility, access).
Wait wait wait! The same people who voted for Eric Mar on a progressive platform are the same people who are totally ok with pushing out businesses selling cheap produce catering to lower-income immigrants because “it’s not capitalistic” and the businesses “need to adapt?”
Yes, thousands of neighbors. The affluent ones, at least, considering the actual population of the Richmond District.
What you really mean is, “I’m only progressive when it doesn’t impact my ability to buy $4 organic carrots. Tough titmouse to those immigrants, I say! ::readjusts monocle while running away::”
@Eric Marsupial – “totally ok with pushing out businesses” is absolutely putting false words in to peoples’ mouths. Try again.
Regarding the posts attempting to demonize people for arguing in favor of the market, don’t bother to engage them. These posters will respond like this no matter the issue. You are against affordable food if you support he market, even though there is an ABUNDANCE of affordable grocery in the neighborhood. Half a day once a week does not infringe on the Richmond’s affordable food alternatives. It is a concern for the business in question but not for the culture of the area. That is just hyperbole from someone who cannot reconcile that things simply do not stay the same, nor should they.
I was born and raised in the Richmond and the change you see around you is not only good, it is benefitting a broad spectrum of the local community. Working out the kinks is one thing. Attacking people for supporting neighborhood improvement is another.
The market is great, but I don’t think it should succeed at the expense of established merchants. Isn’t there someplace else to put this market, perhaps an area that has lots of vacancies and needs to be revitalized?
As noted in one or another reply, if these businesses are hurting due to just a few hours inconvenience, then it would seem they have a lot more to worry about . . . maybe we could implement a “double-parking” area along one of intersecting streets . . . If the church’s can all do (seems like a big joke on the people who don’t go to church, but can’t find parking) it, why not something just as beneficial as the sunday market.
sascha: I’ll ask, though I am unsure if there are restrictions to this effect. But never hurts to ask.
Again, I would like to reiterate that the vast majority of merchants support this, and we immediately start troubleshooting any issues that come up.
Peter Lauterborn
Legislative Aide
Supervisor Eric Mar, District 1
Peter.Lauterborn@sfgov.org
Office: (415) 554-7411
I’m a huge, huge fan of the Farmer’s Market. I come every weekend to buy my produce, and usually stop into stores along the way. It’s become not just a grocery shopping errand for me, but a real weekend activity. I definitely find myself stopping into a lot of new stores and buying stuff there I didn’t expect – total change from a few months back.
I definitely believe the shop owners who say their business has declined. I can’t say I’m surprised. But it’s obvious – with every change in the street scene, there will be winners and losers. There will always be someone whose revenue declines as a result of the market and I do feel for those people.
But it’s crucial to focus on the net benefit. Having the market brings a wide variety of benefits to local residents. And those benefits accrue in so many ways, many of which will ultimately benefit the merchants on Clement Street!
It’s too bad that this hearing is being held on a workday at 9 am. It’s obvious that many of the folks who enjoy the market – and have jobs! – can’t show up to voice their support. I hope the people evaluating this take a good look at this comment thread to see the depth of support for this market.
For me, it’s truly changed my neighborhood from a place to do errands to a real destination. Now I spend more money in my neighborhood than I spend elsewhere!
I’ve only missed going to the market 2-3 times since it opened. I hope it stays permanently. This past weekend I had brunch at Q and had to wait 20 minutes to be seated, that was about 11am. I cannot see the Sunday market putting them or anyone out of business. As for the 4th & Geary mkt. I have yet to find any fresh produce there as good as the farmers’. It seems to me that the needs of a community majority outweigh a very few business loss of profits. Please keep the Farmers Market on Clement!
I miss having the lumberyard at 4th and Geary.
Has anyone considered actually sampling the local low-income and immigrant populations which various inner Clement businesses serve?
ESL and lower income folks generally won’t have access to the internet like everyone else on here, so there’s going to be a lot of confirmation bias on a neighborhood blog such as this.
When it comes down to it, the trolls on both sides seem to be harping on the G word and its creep on the district: Gentrification.
Pros and cons to both sides, I’m sure. I’m down for $5 almond milk lattes on a parklet, as long as someone brings in a Mexican place that serves tripas on the their menu.
The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
Another vote for the centerline idea. It would showcase the local shops much better, and make better use of the sidewalks.
To comment on this farmer’s market, send an email to Cindy.Shamban@sfmta.com She was very responsive to my query about the last meeting being scheduled in the middle of the work day. Information that Ed Mar’s office should have shared a long time ago.
I patronize the Sunday farmers market and regularly patronize the many shops and restaurants on Clement Street. Having the market open means I’m on the street, and in the shops, every Sunday, which wouldn’t have otherwise always been the case. And the organic produce I’m buying at the market is not being purchased at the expense of a neighborhood merchant; I would be buying it outside of the neighborhood instead.
Love the idea of having the booths back-to-back in the center of the street to give the local businesses even more foot traffic. Though TBH they look pretty darn busy to me (I took bar seating for brunch at Q a week ago during the tail end of the market b/c the table wait was 20-30min).
Why not ‘roll’ the location of the market up and down Clement between Arguello and, say 12th on a rotating basis – that would spread the impacts, both positive and negative, on local merchants over a broader base, and those that suffered with visibility/parking/pickup issues on one week might benefit from the increased passerby/foot traffic on alternate weeks…
@eric are the dogs licking your produce? Drooling on your coffee? What is the big deal with dogs. I don’t mind well behaved canines in stores, markets and farmers markets.
The Farmers market has been a great addition to our neighborhood. The quality of offerings are generally much higher than those of the low cost neighborhood alternatives. I have made a point of hitting some of the other stores in the neighborhood as part of my market runs. I am thankful for the support the Market has received from area merchants – Giorgio’s, Q, Foggy Notion, parklife, etc. In previous community meetings AIM indicated a willingness to work with anyone who had issues. Talking to some other merchants, I got the impression that some of them haven’t bothered trying to talk to market management. Blue Danube and Cumaica seem to be packed most Sunday mornings.
Perhaps one can look at converting the two spots either side of Clement on 2nd, 3rd and 4th to non-market loading zone spots for the duration of the market so that people making purchases at brick and mortars can cycle within half a block of where they will be shopping. As far as accessibility, that is about as close as one ever gets in this town anyway when traveling by private car.
It is Odd SFMTA did NOT list the 9 AM Thursday’s meeting on their Web site. The only item listed on Sustainable Streets is
“Color Curb Public Hearing October 25, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013, 10:00 am”
@mrsh, Dogs are NOT allowed in cafes, restaurants, farmer’s markets (or generally anyplace that prepares or serves food). This is law. Much like prohibiting indoor smoking. I would like to smoke in the bars I frequent, but I follow laws unlike these inconsiderate dog owners.
UPDATE 10/24/13 12:25pm: The SFMTA approved the required street closures during the hearing, so the market will continue through June 2014 (when it will be re-evaluated).
Sarah B.
@ Haz Been, some laws need to be revisited. I also follow the laws. I do not own a dog but I also do not mind well behaved canines. Common sense has gone out the door and if people used it we would not need so many laws.