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How could the Market affect local businesses?


In the center of Columbia, there aren't any really competing businesses that sell the exact same kinds of the things the Market would offer.  While a restaurant can sell you a great slice of apple pie, where do you go to buy an apple?  If anything, markets seem to have a positive effect on the surrounding community.  In Lancaster, for example, dozens of small businesses are clustered around the Central Market, selling antiques, jewelry, toys, collectables, and other specialty items. The nearby restaurants and bars such as Carr's and Lancaster Dispensing Company also benefit the foot traffic associated with their location.  Markets in other cities including Seattle, Wa. and Roanoke, Va. have stimulated the development of 'market districts' of new shops in their immediate area.

In addition to food stands, a market stand can provide entrepreneurial small businesses within the Market House also increases, at this early stage, the chances for viability.  However, an important part of the need for an Implementation Plan is to identify early on the best way to incubate such businesses without undermining the integrity of the Market House itself.