Collective Market Oshawa launched in downtown

A little dose of the Central Perk vibes from ‘Friends’ and more than 50 local vendors – along with a bouncy castle, face painting, food, music and more – brought a crowd to the grand opening of Collective Market Oshawa Saturday.

The vision of local real estate agent and entrepreneur Mary Kovacs became reality last weekend with the opening of the business in the heart of downtown on Centre Street; across the street from Oshawa City Hall.

Kovacs turned a former ‘escape room’ into an escape from the hustle of urban life at a café in downtown Oshawa that aims to bring coffee, camaraderie and all things ‘Friends’ to the city centre.

In addition to the coffee, Collective Market feature products from local merchants, an ‘Add Business Cards’ initiative where local business owners can show off their “awesomeness,” along with a toddler room for the little ones to play, an art room for free-to-use crafts and spots where local entrepreneurs can rent desks and workstations, sip on a brew while getting their work done.

“Last year I realized there really was a lack of commercial spaces for businesses. They are either too small and charge a fortune or too large and still charge a fortune,” Kovacs said before the opening. “With this gap in the commercial rental market and the small business economy I decided to try something that normally isn’t done.”

Collective Market Oshawa, which is still seeking more vendors, is open 8:30-6 Monday to Thursday, 8:30–8 on Friday, 10–6 on Saturday and 10-4 Sundays. The market is closed Mondays.

Councillor Rick Kerr (left), Mayor Dan Carter and Councillors Tito-Dante Marimpietri and Jim Lee enjoy the comforts of the ‘Friends’-themed Collective Market Oshawa. Photo Glenn Hendry