The How Bazar

 

How Bazar? How Bizarre? The title might lead you to question whether a typo was made, but this cute play-on-words was intended its the five owners.  

The How Bazar is a local shop in the heart of downtown Gainesville, FL which infuses elements of creativity and community in everything they do. Starting as a small vintage clothing store, the shop slowly expanded to additionally hosting weekend markets once a month, including one "night market" on the first Saturday of each month as well as a "day market" each Sunday following. Unfortunately, the markets did not attract many people in the early stages. Despite their close proximity to the University of Florida and the surrounding residential areas, the Bazar was tucked away by the historical Seagle Building and unknown to many. Over time, however, the markets began to gain more and more traction and have now become a staple phenomenon for the Gainesville area. 

The store has always prided itself on its values such as providing a safe space for everyone. One could always find pride flags and free condoms upon entry and would be greeted be a staff who cared about his or her unique story. They have also always waived any fees for market vendors in order to provide them the opportunity to profit and feel welcomed. Vendors were always given goodie bags filled with water bottles and snacks to keep them energized for the long hours, small details which have not dissipated despite the shop's growing clout. 

At the end of December, the Bazar began to make its transition to a new location right in between University and 2nd Street, a change which has proved life-changing for everything it represents. Now, it lives both metaphorically and physically at the heart of the community. 

On January 14, they hosted a grand opening, shutting down 2nd St. and replacing it with a car show, fashion show, mini-market, skate competition, and dance floor. There were likely well over a thousand attendees, the most attention the shop has ever received since its birth. 

Based on casual conversation with one of the shop owners, Laila Fakhoury, the grand opening was only the tip of the iceberg. With its new clientele, bar license, and prime location, the owners have big plans for the shop's future. They plan to focus less on clothes and more on events where individuals can come together and showcase creativity in diverse ways. The owners have ramped up their social media and marketing, releasing a rebranded website and social media presence as well as cultivating a "street team" of locals devoted to assisting with Laila's PR duties.  

Additionally, they have recently started to collaborate more frequently with Dion Dia, a local record label, bringing the community together through music. For example, this weekend, music artist Squills will be performing at a How Bazar/Dion Dia event featuring local vendors, emcees, and live artists. 

The How Bazar is a quintessential destination which has woven itself into the fabric of the city and hearts of its residents. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the store and its owners, but it's doubtful they'll ever lose their unique bizarre nature which everyone eventually falls in love with.