About Us

The story of Marketplace Austin began more than five years ago. Not many people thought it would work, there were many reasons it would not. There have been ups, downs, changes, and a huge learning experience for everyone. And just like many new businesses, it changed, adapted, and evolved as it grew. It has now become in a relatively short time, a landmark destination point in the newly revitalized North Austin neighborhood of North Lamar.

Everyone remembers Austin’s first Sam’s Club. In the early 1980’s, it opened on 13 acres on North Lamar Boulevard. It stayed for almost 10 years, until it moved to a bigger location on Research Blvd. It stood empty for a few years, another tenant started to move in, abandoned the project, and all work stopped for almost 5 years.

In 2001, just after the events of September 11, the abandoned building caught the eye of Andrew Perkel, an Austin resident who remembered a business some friends of his had operated many years ago in another state. He thought the idea could work in Austin.

Faced with a national tragedy and a struggling local economy, the time was right to pump some energy into a new idea that would recycle abandoned property while giving a needed opportunity for the energy of Austin’s most energetic citizens.

So after gathering some financing, Mr. Perkel and his partner Bill Talley, made an offer to the landlord. To the surprise of both men, the offer was accepted. Very quickly, the project was organized, and Marketplace Austin opened its doors in October 2002.

It was always planned as a weekend neighborhood shopping center. It fills the gap between the standard indoor mall, where high rents are beyond the reach of new entrepreneurs, and the outdoor flea market, where rent is cheap, but the weather, dust, and primitive conditions make daily business very difficult.

Once the building was secured, the new business extended an invitation to the small but dedicated community of small business people who were looking for a new place to run a business. Many people applied, and most of them signed a lease and opened.

Most of the original 40 tenants who opened shop that first year are still working in the building. Many more have come and gone, with the strongest, best businesses thriving and growing to fill the entire available space.

Over the years, the layout has changed, we have had several different events, and tenants have come and gone. But that is the point. Life is evolving all the time, and businesses change. Rather than fight it, the Marketplace makes it easier.

Now holding almost 90 individual businesses, the 40,000 square feet of retail area comes alive on Saturday and Sunday. Families come after church, shoppers find bargains in an environment of security and familiarity. The original concept has evolved into a duplication of the Old World Marketplace, where merchants from all walks of life showcase their products.

Most of our tenants work during the week, and the business is a hobby or a way to make some extra cash. Most work with their families in the booth, adding to the family atmosphere. Many of the most successful have developed a thriving business requiring a more time or space than the Marketplace can offer. They have expanded to another location in the city, where they are open during the week.

A dozen businesses, including video rental, tattoo shop, barber, western wear, party supplies, automobile installation shops all have new locations throughout the city. In this economy, where the small business is the backbone of the City, Marketplace Austin is proud to be seen as an incubator for those who know how to take advantage of all we offer under our roof.

New customers are welcome, there is no admission charge, and everyone feels safe and secure. As we grow, it can only get better. We can’t wait to see what happens next.