In Thunder Bay’s Waterfront District, the former Eaton’s department store is once again active—this time as home to Goods & Co. Market, a retail space that brings together 25 permanent vendors, artists and food producers under one roof.
Founded by Maelyn Hurley, the market opened in November 2021 inside the 1937 building, which had sat largely vacant since Eaton’s closed in 1997. Hurley, who also founded Craft Revival, a local artisan event, used her connections to area makers to shape a permanent marketplace downtown.
“We opened in the middle of COVID, so construction had its challenges,” Hurley said. “But there are grant opportunities for entrepreneurs in northwestern Ontario. That support helped bring this to life.”
Goods & Co. currently includes 25 permanent vendors and seven restaurants. Shoppers can find a range of products, including pottery, jewelry, candles, baked goods, and produce from local farms. There is also a small grocery store focused on regional food products.
“It’s a one-stop shop for people passing through Thunder Bay,” Hurley said.
The market also includes Collab Gallery, a rotating exhibition space for artists. Shows change every two weeks and feature a range of creators—from high school students to emerging professionals.
The space serves additional community functions. It hosts seasonal markets and events such as Mother’s Day fairs and Indigenous artisan gatherings. It is also available for private events.
“It’s been a great incubator,” Hurley said. “Some of the businesses that started here have already expanded into their own storefronts nearby.”
The building spans an entire city block and totals 60,000 square feet. Goods & Co. currently occupies the main level. Construction is underway on the second floor to accommodate office and service-based tenants.
The building’s location—near Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant—adds to its appeal for visitors. Hurley said tourists can access local food and handmade products while exploring the downtown area.
Hurley operates the market with the help of two full-time staff. The three work together to make operational decisions.
“This building was such an important part of Thunder Bay’s past,” Hurley said. “Now, it’s helping shape its future.”
Some Vendors Speak
“I love having my business in a local collaborative market space because it creates a strong sense of community and support among fellow small business owners,” said Jennie Ritchie of Superior Bakes.
On her website she writes that she has a love of food, a passion for nutrition, a knack for baking, and a desire to share that with others. “Being rooted in my hometown allows me to connect personally with customers and contribute to the local economy I love.”
“To be part of Goods & Co. is to be part of a community,” said Sarah Boyechko. She owns Peace & Quiet Candle Co. “I enjoy the relationships I share with other small business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as the daily, meaningful interactions with shoppers. I am continuously inspired by the people I’m surrounded by and the conversations we’re sharing.”
She started her business in the summer of 2018 by selling her candles at pop-up-style markets, had a two-year stint at the Thunder Bay Country Market, and then transitioned into Goods & Co. in 2021.
Goods & Co. supports and provides space for products from businesses owned by people of diverse backgrounds, including African and Indigenous entrepreneurs. There is a restaurant named Na Madam’s Cuisine, which specializes in entrees from West Africa.
Jessica Mamakeesick (Robinson) is an Oji-Cree woman with roots in Sandy Lake and Keewaywin, Ontario. She owns Mamakeesick Roots.
“I love owning an art shop at Goods & Co. Market,” she said. “Being downtown, surrounded by amazing bakeries and local shops, creates the perfect creative vibe,” she said of her business. “It’s great to meet visitors and locals who appreciate this space—there’s real community here, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
If You Go
Goods & Co. Market, open Wednesday through Sunday, is located at 251 Red River Road in Thunder Bay. There is street parking along Red River Road, Court Street, and Park Ave., and 750 parking spaces in the secure parkade across the street. It is located along a main bus route. To learn more, visit: goodscomarket.ca.
