‘We’re all trying to stay alive’: Market helps Lincoln businesses amid 48th Street closure

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — After the closure of 48th Street from Leighton to Madison avenues hurt business for shops in the area, they had to get creative to bring in shoppers.

This led to several business owners starting the Uniplace Market.

The market allows local businesses and vendors suffering from the road closure to make up for lost business.

“We’re all trying to stay alive,” said Chad Vanek, who owns Blu Velvet Underground Boutique. “So I got together with other business owners … and we put this street market where we can get people in the neighborhood.”

SEE ALSO: ‘That’s a killer’: Lincoln man says 48th Street construction will doom his business

Sunday was the second market hosted in the neighborhood, and Vanek said the businesses don’t see a reason to stop, even when 48th Street reopens.

Another business owner said Sunday’s turnout was the largest crowd so far.

“Today has been filled with a ton of energy, a lot of customers,” said Hannah Coy, the community development lead at Mo Java Cafe. “We’ve been very, very busy, which is amazing.”

The next market will take place Sunday, Oct. 29, with many local vendors and stores expected to attend.