Arichat Market Place Offers a Space for Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Vendors
The new Arichat Market Place blends business, creativity, and community—we spoke with two owners about their vision.
Who hasn’t passed by the old Arichat Seafood Market building on the High Road in Arichat and thought, that place could be something amazing! With its history as a bowling alley, liquor store, and pharmacy, the building is no stranger to entrepreneurial ventures. Now, it’s getting a fresh lease on life. If you’re an artists or craftsperson looking for a venue or workspace you might want to check them out.
Cousins Michelle Samson, Renee Samson, Rachelle Samson, and Denise Samson purchased the property earlier this last year with the hopes to transform the building into a vibrant hub for local business and creativity.
The newest tenant, Scratch Eats Market, is set to be a highlight of this revitalized space. Beyond offering incredible food, it will also serve as a platform to celebrate and showcase the work of local artisans, creating a unique blend of culinary excellence and community creativity. Scratch Eats is becoming a vibrant addition to this growing market place.
What inspired you to take on this project and transform the Arichat Market Place?
Rachelle: “The building had been for sale for some time, and we saw the need for newly renovated commercial space for new and existing businesses in our area.”
Michelle: “We started thinking maybe we could do something with the entire building and then that’s when I reached out to Rachelle and Denise to see if they were interested in being a part of this.”
Can you describe the vision for the Arichat Market Place?
Michelle: “We’re trying to create a flexible space that supports local businesses, entrepreneurs, innovators, and artists. It will have offices, studios, retail sections, and spaces for events.”
Rachelle: “It’s about creating a sustainable and profitable space that serves as a hub for local activities and businesses.”
How do you plan to support local artists and businesses?
Michelle: “Our goal is to help businesses grow, whether that means getting out of their own homes and into this space, ensuring they’re successful, or providing them with business advice.”
Rachelle: “We offer marketing and business development support, and we’re willing to work with anyone in the community on anything to help with its success.”
What are some of the challenges you face with this project?
Rachelle: “Isle Madame is located off of the main highway, which results in far less foot traffic for our businesses and services. We always have to work a little bit harder to get the traction you need for businesses to thrive.”
Michelle: “In the winter, operational costs like heating and snow removal go up significantly, this is hard on many businesses in our area. We plan to build an energy efficient building, helping reduce some of those higher expenses for our clients. “
What kind of community feedback have you received?
Rachelle: “We put out a couple of surveys on Facebook and social media pages to help us determine what kinds of businesses or services the folks of the area would be happy to see. Food and fitness classes in a modern studio were popular responses.”
Michelle: “People are excited about the potential of having local access to amenities, activities, and interactive things to do.”
How are you involving the community in the development of the Market Place?
Michelle: “We are very open to ideas and conversations. We’ve had a lot of good conversations with local people about what they would like to see.”
Rachelle: “We’ve received great feedback and are incorporating it into our plans to make sure the space meets community needs.”
Can you tell us about your backgrounds and how they contribute to this project?
Rachelle: “I worked in the private sector for 10 years at a boat building company, handling their marketing, sales, accounting, and Human Resources. I recently accepted a new position with the Cape Breton Partnership as Economic Development Officer for Richmond County & the Town of Port Hawkesbury.”
Michelle: “I have a commerce degree and years of experience working for small startups. I’m currently working in aquaculture, focusing on digital transformation and business operations.”
What are your short-term and long-term goals for the Market Place?
Michelle: “Short-term, we’re hoping to have the community space ready by the end of the year for 2025 programs.”
Rachelle: “Long-term, we aim to develop the entire space, expand our offerings, and ensure sustainability while supporting local businesses and artists.”
How do you plan to market and publicize the Market Place?
Rachelle: “We’ve started with a brief Facebook and Instagram page to announce its new vision and brand. We’re working towards a comprehensive marketing plan.”
Michelle: “We want to ensure our marketing encompasses the exact picture we’re looking to present and gradually build up our presence.”
What makes Arichat Market Place unique compared to other community spaces?
Michelle: “We’re creating a space that caters to diverse needs, from artists and wellness practitioners to local vendors, all under one roof.”
Rachelle: “It’s about creating a sustainable and profitable space for the clients that serves as a hub for local activities and businesses.”
What businesses do you have in there now?
Scratch Eats (A tenant of Arichat Market Place)
Food & Drinks plus shelf space for retail products
Renee Samson
Email: info (at) scratcheats (dot) ca
Other vendors include:
- Peace, Love & Sourdough
- Sunday Silence Coffee
- Leonard Gerroir Woodworkings
- Bath bombs by Krista Norman
- Woodworkings by Blooming Tree
- Plus a selection of supplements and vitamins
How does anyone interested in the place contact you?
For commercial spaces available for lease
Rachelle Samson
(902) 631 3762
