Treasures and bargains abound at 4th Street Market

A few times a year, Fourth Street in downtown Bremerton is transformed into a lively art and antique market.

Next Saturday, July 1, Fourth Street — between Washington and Pacific avenues — will undergo that transformation once again as part of the second annual 4th Street Market, presented by the downtown art and antique gallery Simply Renewed.

“(It’s) an open-air market with European style and urban flair, gathering merchants and artisans for a Saturday of shopping fun,” said Lori Stearns, co-owner of Simply Renewed.

Stearns and co-owner Peggy Nord started the event as a way to promote downtown and its merchants.

“We want citizens of Bremerton to come and see there is stuff going on down here,” Nord said.

Saturday’s market is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features an array of antique and vintage items, collectables, art, handmade jewelry and garden accessories.

“It’s anything you will find in an antique store plus unique items,” Nord said.

The market also features items which are typically found at farmers’ markets such as homemade soap.

Saturday’s market is the second this year with two more planned for Aug. 5 and Sept. 2.

Sterns adds that although the market is small now, she is confident it will grow with time.

“(Customers) know it’s great, they’ll hang in there, they know it will get big,” she said with a smile.

With plenty of merchants beginning to fill in the vacancies in the area, the pair knew the market would fit in nicely with the ambiance of Fourth Street.

“Everyone loves it, they think it’s a wonderful idea,” Nord said, referring to the feedback she has received.

Both Nord and Stearns also enjoy mingling with the customers at each event.

“Sitting there all afternoon and seeing how happy customers are, we have fun,” Stearns said.

Both agree that although it’s a lot of work setting up the market, it’s worth it.

“It’s the most satisfying day,” Nord said.

“It’s fun to see stuff happening in Bremerton,” Stearns added.

Space is still available for anyone who would like to set up a table to sell antiques. Merchant spaces range from $25 to $45.

It was within the last couple of months that Stearns and Nord moved their business from the 4th Street Building to Pacific Avenue, doubling their space for art and antiques.

The duo first became friends when they worked together at Hallmark in Poulsbo. It wasn’t long before they decided to team up and open an antique shop together.

“We came downtown just to look and three days later we signed a lease,” Nord said. “Our first interest was (in opening) just a gift store, but I also have a great love for antiques.”

With her managerial experience and Stearns’ display and retail knowledge, the pair were confident they would make ideal business partners.

“It’s a perfect mix,” Nord said.

They also had similar ideas of how they wanted their shop to look.

“Our focus in our store was to be different, more boutique-like,” Nord said. “We wanted to keep it fresh and clean and not have that stuffy antique smell.”

At the same time, they also wanted to provide a venue for artists to showcase their art.

Simply Renewed offers a wide selection of antiques including china, glassware, costume and vintage jewelry, and collectibles.

Much of their inventory is collected through consignment from local residents as well as various vendors.

“Everything in our store is unique in its own way,” Stearns said.

She and Nord also compile a “wish list” of certain items customers are searching for that Simply Renewed doesn’t have. Those items are sent out in the form of a newsletter to their vendors.

“We have fulfilled many, many people’s requests,” Stearns said.

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