What is Artegon Marketplace Orlando

Artegon Marketplace Orlando is a 1.1 million-square-foot retail attraction currently under construction in 'The City Beautiful.' Oh yes, ladies, you heard me correctly. Over a million mind-blowing square feet of sensational shopping. Here's a good reason to send Dad and the kids to Disney for the day while you indulge in a little 'window' shopping.

Artegon Marketplace is the newest retail attraction in Orlando, the tourist capital of the world. The concept is quite simple. This mammoth shopping mecca will have small booth-like spaces ranging in size from 40 - 300 square feet. It will feature many homegrown and local artists crafting their wares right before your eyes. The atmosphere and physical layout will feature a village inspired Artisan Marketplace.

You will have the opportunity to purchase unique one-of-a-kind treasures handmade with quality and care right here in the USA. These precious gems are not mass-produced shopping mall souvenirs but rather valuable objects your friends back home will be happy to receive. No more tacky tee-shirts that fall apart the first time they're laundered. Leave 'The Mouse Ears' for the little munchkins — these are real grown-up gifts!

What are the odds of a small, local artist being discovered in a big city? Not very good. That's why so many give up on their passion and are persuaded to participate in jobs with little or no outlet for their creative ability. I've heard it said that the richest place on earth is the graveyard. Because buried there are multitudes of gifts and talents that were not used. So sad!

But, finally, Orlando has an affordable venue where local 'starving' artists and designers can showcase a sampling of their works. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Every artist was first an amateur." Unfortunately, amateur artists usually do not have the financial backing to invest in prime retail space to offer their goods for sale.

That's the reason I'm so impressed at the way the Artegon Marketplace developers have been working with potential tenants. I believe this will be a major boost for artisans and Small Business in the Sunshine State. They don't require the typical 'Mall' tenancy agreement. There are no lengthy contracts, and rent is reasonable. In fact, tenants with products made in Florida will not pay any rent, only a small percentage of their revenue. They even offer a Partner Program, whereby vendors can share retail space. Seems like they're remarkably committed to growing Small Business.

Enthusiastic entrepreneurs are embracing the Artegon Marketplace vision. After hosting several 'Open House' events, retail space is filling up fast. Here are just a few of the master artisans that have joined Artegon:

• Enviroclectic Designs ~ blends environmental responsibility with eclectic art!
• Robots are Awesome ~ robot sculptures
• Gods & Monsters ~ comic book and collectible toy store - 2nd largest comic shop in the U.S.
• The Art of Jason Cole ~ incredible fantasy works
• Jortra Boutique ~ featuring eco-friendly handmade jewelry
• Dolce Art Boutique ~ South American inspired jewelry & accessories
• Pocashotsauces ~ hot sauce designer
• Florida Soap Company ~ featuring handcrafted vegan, organic soap
• Sweet City Gelato ~ gelato and gourmet desserts

I love the fact that many of the artisans are using upcycled or repurposed items to create their works of art. Art that will undoubtedly travel all over the world, as Orlando hosts a colossal 58 million visitors annually!

Have you ever heard of Greenwich Village in New York City, or Pike Place Market in Seattle, or how about Faneuil Hall in Boston? Of course you have.

Then there's that massive Chelsea Market in Manhattan and the historic Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. These great American marketplaces were the inspiration behind Artegon.

I know, I know, most people only associate Orlando with the famous "Mouse" and the other unparalleled theme parks in Central Florida. However, in recent years O-Town has become an international shopping destination. Shoppers from Asia, Europe and Brazil are lured by luxury at our upscale malls and boutiques. I've witnessed some of these global shoppers filling entire suitcases with designer and American-brand-name clothing and accessories. Even with the up-charge for the extra luggage, they say it's a bargain compared to prices back home.

With 165 artisans selling local products, Artegon is sure to find a place on the itinerary of many traveling tourists. Even the grassy area outside the Artegon Marketplace will be a popular stop. There will be Food Trucks, performing artists, caricaturists, tattoo painters, stilt walkers and jugglers. And, one very popular Country music superstar will be seen on premise from time to time. Toby Keith will be opening his first restaurant in Florida at Artegon Orlando. The 'I Love This Bar & Grill' will feature his signature guitar-shaped bar which will seat 150 people.

The grand opening for Artegon Marketplace Orlando is on November 20th. I've marked my calendar as I'm looking forward to doing some (well, maybe ALL) of my Christmas shopping there.

I'm not a cookie-cutter kind of person. If everyone else has it… I don't want it. Whether shopping for items for myself or gifts for others, I want the item to reflect individual personalities. I believe gifts should be as unique as the person receiving it. I'm hoping Artegon is unlike anything else Orlando has to offer, and becomes my go-to place for those distinctive one-of-a-kind little gems. I'll keep you posted…