KTRV Fox 12 The Shop Meet

The Shop Meet

Boise, Idaho -- One of Boise's prime pieces of business property has gone from vacant to filled with some of the areas most unique goods.

Summer is usually the only time to get out and buy locally grown food and hand made goods. But if you've stopped by the old "linens and things" building you may have noticed a new look on an old idea. Whether it's handmade cutting boards or personalized children's books, it's all welcome at The Shop Meet.

"There was a desperate need for it in the valley, " said Richard Warren, who sells his crafts at the meet.

The idea is simple.

"Get in early, get the prime location and hope for the best," said Warren.

They've leased the vacated Linens and Things building and created a new place where local vendors can sell their goods.

'What we're trying to do here is new product only and or handmade type products if you're making a product and need somewhere to sell it this is a great locations for that," said owner, Bradley Gorringe.

The building holds 40,000 square feet and right now during phase one they've filled only about 10,000.  But the meet can go year round because it's indoors.

"People love to go in and shop for bargains, but when its outside it's all determined by the weather," said Steve McCoy, who sells his good at the meet.

'There a lot of crafters out there that need some decent locations other than Saturday markets and art shows, seasons starting to come down to a close for the summer," said Warren.

This is the second week they've been open, and every day, vendors say, business grows.

"The more we're open the more people come in," said Galaxy Gorringe.

Many of the sellers have already been apart of the Treasure Valley's weekend markets and have noticed shoppers are making an effort to buy local.

"People are actually spending money out there. They're realizing that it's a good idea to spend locally and it keeps the money local, because if I make money in the market, I spend money in the market," said Warren.

If you would like to be a part of or attend The Shop Meet, their hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

If you would like to start a booth you can check out www.theshopmeet.com.