Renee Edwards is the visionary CEO and founder of Saturday Shoppes and Everyday Shoppes (459 Brandon Town Center Dr), the largest minority- and woman-owned market in the Tampa Bay area. Her journey began with a powerful realization: existing markets were lacking opportunities for vendors who looked like her. As a skincare entrepreneur, Renee struggled to find a platform where she could showcase her products. This challenge inspired her to create a space that would not only welcome but uplift minority- and women-owned businesses, giving them the opportunities they deserve.
What started as a small gathering quickly blossomed into a thriving community. “I reached out to several friends, and by the second month, we had 97 vendors and had outgrown the church. By the third month, we had 150 vendors who needed a place like Saturday Shoppes,” Renee recalls. The rapid growth of the market highlighted the demand for such a platform, proving that her vision resonated deeply with the community.
A movement supporting local businesses across Tampa Bay
Today, the Saturday Shoppes are not just a market but a movement. The recent expansion into a brick-and-mortar location in Brandon Town Center is proof of its success. This new store supports vendors with a unique opportunity to reach customers without the need to be physically present. “We have 74 vendors every day. They don’t have to sell their stuff themselves; our staff sells it for them. All they have to do is drop off their products and pick up a check,” Renee explains. This model removes the barriers that many small business owners face, allowing them to focus on creating and growing their brands.
One of the most impactful aspects of the Saturday Shoppes is the Vendor Academy, founded in 2022. Renee noticed that many vendors lacked the experience and customer service skills needed to succeed. In response, she created a six-week course to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in a competitive market.
A vision of growth for Saturday Shoppes
Looking to the future, Renee envisions the Saturday Shoppes expanding to multiple cities across the U.S., continuing to promote equity and economic growth for minority-owned businesses. Her commitment to keeping vendor fees low ensures that these opportunities remain accessible to all. The impact of the Saturday Shoppes is already evident, with several vendors moving from tents to brick-and-mortar stores, mobile boutiques, kiosks, and even stores inside larger malls. “My market has been a stepping stone for all of this,” Renee proudly shares.
Upcoming Saturday Shoppes events:
- September 6, 5pm-11pm: Labor Day Beat Down at Tropicana Field Lot 1
- September 7, 5pm-11pm: Labor Day Beat Down II at Tropicana Field Lot 1
- September 11, 4pm-9pm: Taco Festival at SPC Clearwater
- October 5, 4pm-9pm: Fall Jazz Festival at Tropicana Field Lot 1
- October 11, 4pm-9pm: Ribs and R&B Festival at SPC Clearwater
- November 2, 4pm-8pm: The Fall Jazz and Seafood Event at Tropicana Field Lot 1
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