REGINA — EMF Market Mall has helped fill the gap in the community left behind with the closure of the Centennial Market.
In April 2024, Centennial Market closed due to the building not meeting safety codes, said Regina Fire and Protective Services.
“After they closed, I thought [to myself], ‘why don't we give this a try,” said Maria Fiorante, owner of EMF Market Mall.
Fiorante had a few open houses at their building located at 1217 Broad St. and officially opened the market in March.
Currently, the market houses dozens of vendors selling items from wedding dresses, toys, books and more.
Johnny Slastukin, an author, said this market helps give his books exposure.
“On the weekends, I’ll probably sell around 10 books.”
Slastukin writes books as a means to express his feelings because of his stuttering. Some of his novels centre around Regina, including Regina: What's Not to Love? and Regina: Blast From the Past.
Slastukin wants to continue writing and see where life takes him.
Another vendor is J-Stock Collectibles, run by James Haverstock.
Haverstock always dreamed about running a toy store and decided to open as a vendor at the EMF Market Mall months ago.
He sells toys anywhere from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Star Wars.
Haverstock buys all his toys from vintage markets, stressing the importance of buying local.
He hopes to fill the void left behind by the closure of the Comics and Games store, Tramp's
Haverstock estimates his vendor sees hundreds a month and believes his clients will continue to grow.
Fiorante said this market mall gives those interested in starting a business a place to thrive with little cost.
“I like seeing people achieve [and] selling their products, which they put in a lot of hours making them.“
Fiorante wants to bring more vendors into a welcoming space.
“We're going to get better. I feel positive that we're going to have a great fall.“
