The Pantry Market will hold a grand-opening celebration Sunday at The Atrium on Genesee in downtown Auburn, bringing locally produced food, gifts and merchandise from regional small businesses into one storefront.
The July 19 event runs from 11 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon at 115 Genesee Street, with a Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting scheduled at the start.
Owner Erinn Locastro said the market was created to give local vendors a permanent place to reach customers without relying exclusively on weekend craft fairs and other events.
The store carries baked goods, local meats, dairy products, microgreens, specialty foods, candles, home decor, apparel and other artisan products. It also offers Auburn-area merchandise, including shirts, drink holders, greeting cards and postcards.
Locastro said she was inspired by friends and family who operate small businesses and by Mesa 22, a shop in Marcellus whose owner shared advice and encouragement as the Auburn market was developed.
The Pantry Market plans to add custom gift baskets for birthdays, holidays, housewarmings, corporate gifts and other occasions using products from participating vendors.
Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The market said hours may be adjusted based on customer feedback.
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