Situated on Main Street along the outskirts of downtown Stroudsburg you’ll find Pocono Vendors Marketplace. Much more than a clever collaboration of merchants with an outstanding variety of wares including furniture, clothing, musical instruments and more, the destination resonates a warm, friendly atmosphere.
With a “hello” as you walk through the door and non-intrusive offer to help discover that unique buy, facility manager Diane “Dee” Kropp delves into the people that make up the Marketplace. Joined by vendor Lucie Maggio, the bubbly duo shares the concept propelling this popular shopping co-op to success.
“We put the co-op in cooperative partners,” Maggio says, explaining, “Everyone is familiar with all the inventory not just their own.”
Alleviating the need to “man-a-booth” by instituting a vendor signup, each lines up three times a month to oversee a day’s operations. Looking forward to their divvied duty, the friends consider the days designation a delight, admitting lots of laughter.
A defining component, compassion for community, is illustrated in the group’s efforts both locally and abroad. From hosting a “Ladies Night & Tricky Tray” benefitting HJP Parks and Recs dog park fund, to selling beautifully authentic African jewelry that enables a struggling village to strengthen their economy by creating and selling their products.
With layaway options, as well as gift certificates starting at $10, convenience strikes a holiday shopping chord no matter who the buy is for.
“It [Pocono Vendors Marketplace] even gets the guys out of the car,” jokes Maggio nodding at the precise moment two gents open the door.
“I love the vintage things,” says Jim Fuller alongside Rob Fuller who adds, “He’s got the eye.”
The Pocono Pines pair admits regularly visiting the facility in search of hunting and fishing “stuff” including weaponry with Jim commenting, “You never know what you’ll find.”
With hours Wednesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5, it’s well worth the short drive just off Interstate 80 to US-209/West Main Street.
