by Ryan Hueter
for the Sequim Gazette
With the recent opening of Sea Breeze Market, Sequim’s second seasonal open-air market, business owners and entrepreneurs have a new way to promote their wares and services and consumers should expect to see their summertime shopping options increase.
After encountering conflicts with the Sequim Open Aire Market, Jack Tamblyn devised the idea for the market and currently serves as its director.
“It’s a neat outlet for people with their business to get out there and promote their business,” Tamblyn said.
The market, which operates from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday at the northeast corner of Third Avenue and West Washington Street, creates what Tamblyn believes is a unique opportunity for business owners who may not own a storefront.
Since the market opened in early May, the number of vendors has fluctuated from week-to-week, based largely on the weather, but Tamblyn hopes the number of vendors will grow as the space becomes established.
“I would like it to be big. I would like to see it flourish,” Tamblyn said. “I want to make it to where it’s a nice environment where people can enjoy their weekend.”
One of a handful of vendors on July 8, Patricia Brown operates Unicorn and the Rose with her daughter, Cassie, selling handmade jewelry and figurines.
Other businesses included Bell Street Bakery, Envoy Mortgage, Imagine Gifts and Boutique and Jim Tucker’s wood works.
Brown, who has been making sterling silver and gold jewelry for 38 years, appreciates the friendly atmosphere of the market.
“He (Tamblyn) is easy to work with,” Brown said. “He’s real affordable with prices. He’s got the right idea. I think it’s headed in the right way.”
In addition to his role as director of the market, Tamblyn runs a booth selling soaps, candles, lotions and shampoos from his wife’s nearby business, Imagine Gifts and Boutique.
With a dramatic increase in foot and vehicle traffic, Tamblyn expects to see an uptick in customers during the pair of lavender expositions July 15-17 and says he already has booked 30-40 vendors for the weekend.
Brown agrees that the market’s proximity to the city’s primary thoroughfare should pay dividends during the Lavender Festival and Lavender Farm Faire.
“We get so many people in town and this is definitely visible.” Brown said.
About 15 additional spaces remain available. Prospective vendors can call Tamblyn at 360-808-8363 or e-mail seabreezemarket@yahoo.com for space prices.
