The Urban Market

December 6th 2018 marked the Grand Opening of downtown boutique, The Urban Market, at 624 S. Main St. in Findlay. The shop’s owner, North Baltimore native, Amanda Wisener, lives in Wapakoneta. Amanda has worn many hats throughout her career: store manager, auxiliary police officer, corrections officer, obstetric technician, receptionist, interior painter, and realtor. A car accident in 2015 gave her the chance to focus on her dream of opening a shop, while also maintaining her painting and realty businesses.

The first shop, “Neoteric,” sold home decor in Wapakoneta. Two racks of clothing were eventually introduced, and went over well with customers. “I got into clothes because that’s where I put my own money. Home decor is only seen by the people who visit your house. Clothing is a walking billboard.”

While painting a South Main Street home in Findlay, she drove down the street to the Main Street Deli for lunch every day. One her way, she would pass by the in-progress Hancock Hotel, and a storefront opposite it, which had been occupied by Bryant’s shoe store. Knowing the hotel would soon be opening, a gut feeling inspired her to call the rental manager. On a visit to the location, Wisener asked her daughter, “What do you see?” Her daughter’s answer was, “I see your store.”

The goal of the Urban Market is to help the community and customers in some way. “If a woman feels good about herself, she’s going to have more confidence. Having connections with a personal stylist (Life & Style with Lauren) helps give that confidence boost. “Some women walk in, look at an item, and say, ‘I could never wear that.’ We help style them, and sometimes they leave with everything in the dressing room.” Style shows are held in the store regularly, focusing on different careers. Events for office employees teach ladies how to use color, rather than just wearing black to the office.

Money spent at the store goes toward good causes. Fundraisers have been held for Project Happy Feet, Pawsible Angels, and Hope House. A ‘Darrel the Barrel’ from the City Mission is currently in the shop collecting donations for the shelter. The products sold in the store also give back. Diff eyewear donates reading glasses to a child for every pair of sunglasses sold. NoHeartUntouched jewelry is made locally. Bedstu is a family-owned LA company providing sustainable, chrome-free, handmade leather shoes and boots.

Follow the Urban Market on Facebook. They are open 11am-6pm Tuesday-Friday, and 11am-3pm Saturday & Sunday. Grand Opening events will take place December 7th-9th.