Two new anchor merchants at NewBo City Market were announced on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Two new anchor merchants at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, were announced Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

CEDAR RAPIDS – Two farmers market vendors are moving into year-round spots at NewBo City Market.

The market has seen a few changes since opening in October 2012 and not all have been popular. But Kristie Wetjen, the market’s executive director, noted that moving temporary vendors into anchor slots validates the “incubator” system on which the market is based.

See more from NewBo City Market about the new anchor vendors, below, and read about previous changes here: Nelson’s Ice Cream

Permanent vendors end run at NewBo City Market

NewBo City Market Adds New Anchor Merchants

(Oct. 15, 2014) As NewBo City Market continues to see growth and success, two new merchants have been added to the Market. Rare Bird Soap Shop and Sandee J Creations/Backyard Habitat opened their businesses this past week, bringing the number of anchor merchants in the Market up to 21.  “As the number of visitors to the Market continues to grow, we are constantly looking for ways to add variety to the Market,” stated Kristie Wetjen, executive director of NewBo City Market.

Sandee J Creations and Backyard Habitat are owned by Larry and Sandy Earle of Cedar Rapids.  They create accessories for the family pet, as well as feeders and houses for your backyard friends…birds and squirrels.  “We love the Market and have been selling our products here from day one…we are very excited to be a more permanent fixture in the Market.  Being here makes it easier for our customers to find us,” stated Sandy Earle.

Rare Bird Soap Shop, owned by Wende Fugate of Kalona, was founded in 2011 and specializes in natural, handcrafted soaps and skin products.  Moving from being a farmer’s market vendor to being an anchor merchant at NewBo will allow Fugate to expand her current offerings.  “I would like to add more male products like shaving bars, beard oils and more masculine soap scents.”

“Being able to move our temporary vendors into our anchor spots gives us a great sense of accomplishment; it validates our incubator system,” says Wetjen.

NewBo City Market is a year-round public market, a dynamic destination offering opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and fresh, diverse food, products and experiences for visitors.  For more information visit www.newbocitymarket.com.