The Main Street Market opened in 2011 as a project of the Downtown Development Authority of Swainsboro (DDA). Prompted by the effects of The Great Recession on the local economy, the DDA set out to create a space that encouraged entrepreneurship, boosted downtown retail, and provided a retail outlet for local art and other locally produced goods. They achieved this by renovating the 12,000-square-foot space and implementing the market concept. Today, the Main Street Market has five employees and houses more than 60 vendor spaces offering a variety of products including fine antiques, jewelry, home décor, furniture, collectibles, craft supplies, silk flower arrangements, vintage vinyl records, and more. It also features a Locally Made booth filled with works from local artisans including pottery, paintings, albums, books, and more, as well as a full collection of books published by the Emanuel County Historic Society. In addition, the Main Street Market is home to the Music Memories Museum which displays music memorabilia spanning more than seven decades. The museum is the personal collection of Michael Bright, who has served as Manager of the Main Street Market since 2014.
While Main Street Market is a retail outlet offering antiques, gifts, furniture, home décor, and local art, it is also a tourist attraction for visitors looking for a place to shop or interested in the Music Memories Museum. The Main Street Market’s mission is to promote culture and commerce in Swainsboro and Emanuel County by offering a venue of excellence for antiques, collectibles, arts, and gifts. Their values include commitment to vendors and customers, fairness to all, and offering high-quality goods and a unique and relaxing atmosphere. The goal of Main Street Market is to support the local economy and local artisans by offering a unique shopping experience in downtown Swainsboro