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MCC Community Enterprises holds grand opening of Marketplace

Abbotsford venture supports work of Mennonite Central Committee
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The Marketplace staff are ready to welcome the public at the grand opening on Friday, June 8 with activities happening throughout the day. (Photo by Krista Currie)

Marketplace by MCC Community Enterprises (CE) celebrates its grand opening on Friday, June 8 in Abbotsford with a day of activities that will highlight the character of this unique store.

The store is a new venture for MCC CE, the enterprise arm of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), which is known for its relief, development and peace work around the world.

Marketplace – located at 34377 Marshall Rd. – is one of several social enterprises of MCC CE. Each enterprise is designed for a specific purpose and supports the work of MCC both locally and globally.

MCC is known for its thrift shops but Marketplace is something completely different.

“We had an opportunity with this space to create a unique experience that is quite different from anything MCC has done before,” said James Siebert, director of social enterprises for MCC CE.

“Marketplace is exactly that – a marketplace where unique people and unique products come together.”

The store sells furniture, clothing, home decor and artisanal goods.

The products are a mix of vintage, upcycled, consignment and new.

The store is committed to offering products with a purpose, supporting B.C.-made goods, and local and global artisans.

The store also includes a bakery, deli and cafe. Store manager Kathy Lang says it’s more than simply a place to shop.

“It’s a store that gives the customer an opportunity to do good with their purchases,” she says. “It’s also a meeting place, where you can gather with your friends, enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee and visit.”

Marketplace has been open since mid-February but will celebrate its official grand opening starting at 8 a.m. with a buffet breakfast with Mayor Henry Braun and city councillors.

Cost for the breakfast is $15 and people are encouraged to reserve their spot by purchasing tickets at Marketplace ahead of time.

Breakfast will be followed by speeches and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. There will also be product demonstrations throughout the weekend – including cooking, food-tasting and furniture upcycling – as well as door prizes, lunch specials and in-store specials.

Visit the Marketplace Facebook page (facebook.com/marketplacebymccce), the website blog at mccce.ca or call 604-746-6955.