Whether you’re a health-conscious shopper, a dedicated supporter of local business, or a farmers market enthusiast, Southeast Texas now has its first online farmers market, according to entrepreneur and founder Sabrina Smulders.
Smulders said The Artisan Farmers Market is a 24/7 digital destination offering curated artisan and farm-fresh goods directly to the customer’s doorstep.
Founded in Orange, the online market is a platform connecting customers with local, artisan and farm-fresh products.
“Our mission is to make shopping small easier, more convenient and more impactful — one meaningful purchase at a time,” said Smulders. “It’s the first of its kind in Southeast Texas.”
The Artisan Farmers Market is a grassroots concept developed by Smulders, who said she saw an opportunity to make shopping local a healthier, more unique way to get to know and support local farmers and artisans with ease.
The online farmers market was founded five months ago and launched in late May.
“The Artisan Farmers Market already boasts more than 1,500 social media followers and a growing community of shoppers and vendors,” Smulders said. “With only a handful of similar online farmers’ markets across the entire United States and Canada, this innovative platform sets Southeast Texas apart as a leader in modern, accessible and community-focused shopping.”
According to Smulders, vendors offer locally grown produce, gourmet baked goods, natural skincare, artisan soaps, handcrafted jewelry, home decor, jams, jellies, and thoughtful gifts.
Shoppers can browse and place orders anytime, anywhere, with local pickup, delivery, and nationwide shipping available.
“It’s ideal for busy professionals, families, and individuals who want to source fresh, local products without sacrificing their time or comfort,” she said.
Smulders said vendor packages start at $20 per month with no contracts and no costly daily booth fees.
“Freedom from hauling heavy displays or worrying about heat spoilage,” she noted, was a top benefit. “Produce or bake to order with less waste, and personalized online storefronts with SEO (search engine optimization) support to increase visibility.”
Smulders said perks to online customers include effortless browsing anytime, curated selection of premium, locally crafted products, flexible pickup, delivery, or shipping options directly supports local artisans, farmers, and small businesses and easily sends locally made gifts to friends and family across the country.
“This market was born out of a passion for supporting local and making it easier for our community to shop with purpose,” said Smulders. “Not everyone can make it to a Saturday market, and not every vendor can commit to a weekly booth. We’re changing that by bringing the market to everyone, anytime.”
To place an order, browse by category, select items, and proceed to checkout. The customer will receive an email confirmation after the order is placed. There is no minimum order requirement, unless set by a vendor. However, a minimum order of $50 applies for the multi-vendor weekly delivery service. Credit/debit cards, along with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Woo Pay, are accepted.
Smulders said The Artisan Farmers Market is actively welcoming new vendors to join its growing platform and invites customers to start shopping at www.theartisanfarmersmarket.com.
— Dannie Oliveaux | DannieOliveaux@TheExaminer.com
