Woodlawn Street Market
We believe that everyone should have the chance to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. That’s why, in 2014, REV Birmingham partnered with the Woodlawn Business Association to launch the Woodlawn Street Market. For more than a decade, the market provided Birmingham entrepreneurs with a valuable platform to start small, test their strategies and refine their business models based on real customer feedback.
Shoppers could discover a variety of local products, including art, jewelry, clothing, children’s books and toys, fresh produce and tasty food — all from local vendors. Some were beloved community staples, while others were new faces making their market debut, but all were able to reap the benefits of this business-proving opportunity.
Fast forward to today, and markets like the ones described above are a lot more commonplace in Birmingham — yay! That means to create a bigger impact here in Bham, REV has turned our attention toward filling other gaps to strengthen the Magic City’s economic fabric.
To our vendors, volunteers, market-goers and partners: Thank you for 11 incredible years of Woodlawn Street Market!
Over 11 years, Woodlawn Street Market accomplished:
-
33 markets
-
$327,504 in vendor sales
-
304 unique vendors
-
690 instances of business assistance from REV’s team to market vendors
Together with our small business vendors and community partners, we helped prove the market for makers’ markets (of which Birmingham has many more today than in 2014) and showcase Woodlawn’s business district (which is stronger today than it was 2014)!
A note from Bekah Fox, co-founder
To my valued partners in vibrancy,
After 11 unforgettable Woodlawn Street Market seasons, the difficult decision has been made to bring this chapter to a close. It has not come lightly, and follows months of thoughtful and intentional deliberation among our team. It also comes after the most recent market season where we tested new concepts, subtly modifying our classic market set up in search of what might be next!
First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you. The success and spirit of Woodlawn Street Market would not have been possible without the dedication and creativity that each of you has brought to our community. When the Market was founded in 2014, we did so with the belief that everyone, no matter their background or experience, should have the opportunity to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Hosting the Market in the middle of our business district has been equally intentional. Every market day, every vendor booth, every customer interaction has contributed to the magic of this place we call home. You have helped invigorate a space where dreams could be tested, new ideas could blossom and connections could be made. You have helped draw people back to a community that deserves to be favored. You’ve helped simulate a burgeoning commercial district on any given Market day. For that, I am forever thankful.
It has been an absolute joy to watch not only our market grow but also the larger Birmingham community. It’s with gratitude that we make this shift, seeing the change in our landscape since 2014. We’ve witnessed the rise of many new markets and entrepreneurial initiatives in the Magic City, giving you and so many others the chance to test your models and share your passion with the world. I have no doubt that each of you will continue to thrive in 2025 and beyond, and I can’t wait to watch your journeys unfold.
While this marks the end of our street market, it is by no means the end of lively, vibrant gatherings in Woodlawn’s historic commercial district. We are engaging with the community to understand the needs and opportunities of 2025. We are committed to being intentional about what comes next and how we can continue to serve this neighborhood — and certainly, all the ways we can invite you into that work. While we may not have all the answers just yet, we do know one thing for certain: whatever emerges will be bold and unapologetically Woodlawn.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of this incredible journey. Your contributions have left a lasting impact on our community, and I am deeply grateful to each of you for the energy and commitment you’ve brought along the way. Here’s to all that we’ve accomplished together — and to the exciting futures we will continue to build!
With warmest appreciation,
Bekah
