The Benefits of Street
Markets
Research and Commentary
Street markets are often accused of causing problems of congestion, competing unfairly with "established businesses" and every other evil under the sun. Obviously, we beg to differ. Problems may emerge with any form of economic enterprise, and street markets are no exception, but much of the criticism is one-sided and fails to take account of the many social, economic and even political benefits that vibrant street markets may bring for a community, city, or nation.
While we have many articles and commentaries supporting street vending and openair markets on this website, I will use this space to list those that may be most useful to activists making the argument for street markets to local planning councils, etc. I welcome anyone with experience or an opinion in this matter to put them on their computer screen and send to us at cross@vassar.edu for all the world to see. I can also reproduce papers sent in by hand or typewritten if you don't have regular access to a computer. Send them to: John Cross, Box 500, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12604. USA.
John Cross, Editor
When a Street Market Supports the Shopping Center - a discussion of the value of street markets for formal shopping centers by Australian town planner Peter Reynders
The Value of Benefits of a Public Street Market - Maxwell Street (excerpts) by A. Morales, S. Balkin, and J. Persky.
The
Grassroots Free Market - website by Lawrence Locklin
promoting free trade for the poor, not for the rich.