Uptown Market opened today, next door to the Jamaican Grill on Court Street, with more than half a dozen vendors set up for business selling everything from Dale Butler’s Heritage publications to team-branded football jerseys.

The market was the idea of Marcia Stowe, who had her own stall in the market, selling hair accessories. She said she came up with the idea because the location of her shop, called Modestique, is off the beaten path.

Against a background of the colourful stalls and steel pan-inspired music, she talked to The Royal Gazette about the concept. “I thought it was a good way, not just for myself but for other vendors, to showcase what they have,” she said.

Ms Stowe proposed the idea to Roxanne Christopher, the business development officer at the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation.

The new venture is sponsored by the Bermuda Economic Development Council and the Economic Empowerment Zone, and is located on a vacant lot in a busy part of north-east Hamilton. Ms Christopher officially opened the market for business after a short celebration.

Among the vendors, Sherrilene Russell was showcasing an array of sports clothes and accessories at her stand, called All In One Sports. “We sell soccer, basketball, motocross and NFL,” she said. “We also have swimwear.”

While Ms Russell ventured into Hamilton to set up her stall today, she has been operating for three years. She can normally be found at Shelly Bay during the afternoon and evenings, selling the team-branded clothing and accessories, often while sporting events are taking place in the park.

Another small stall had Dale Butler’s lavishly illustrated Heritage books available: Marathon, My Way, Music on the Rock and Bermuda Football Teams, while Cecil and Brenda White were selling stylish rings, necklaces and bracelets at Cecil’s Jewellery Box. Ms White said she was aware that at least one more vendor would be operating at the market next week. “It’s growing already,” she said. “This market is long overdue.”

They have also set up Cecil’s Jewellery Box in Dockyard and at the St George’s evening market. “We are just trying to make a bit of money and provide a service,” she said.

Jalila Smith is a first-time vendor. She was selling plus-sized clothes from her stall called Curves by Safiya. Surrounded by brightly coloured and fashionable dresses, shorts, tops and more, she said: “I find, for myself, finding plus-sized clothes is hard. I knew I needed to sell my stuff — a friend told me about the market and I’m here!”

Cyrene Wilson sells some jewellery along with handcrafted wall décor. Her wall hangings are in a variety of styles, from metallic to animal prints to African-inspired themes. Many are mirrors, while others are decorative pieces. While she was at the Uptown Market today, she has set up her stand at various locations throughout the Island, including Peace Lutheran Church, St Anthony’s Church and at the Bermuda Public Services Union.

From this veteran, the new market received a vote of confidence. “It’s a great location,” she said. “I’m hoping after today the word will get around and more people will come and patronise it.”

Uptown Market, which now joins similar markets in Warwick, Sandys and St George’s, is open on Saturdays between noon and 4pm.