As Barbados prepares for the annual three-day Foreday Weekend Bridgetown Market, the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN) has launched a new round of promotional outreach aimed at drawing larger crowds and boosting vendor revenue for the upcoming event. Kicking off one week from Friday, the popular market is being co-hosted by BARVEN and the National Cultural Foundation, with final preparations well underway according to former BARVEN vice president Erskine Forde, who spoke on behalf of the association.
Speaking to local outlet Barbados TODAY, Forde acknowledged that pre-event patron numbers have not hit the group’s projected targets so far this year, but expressed optimism that attendance will climb steadily as the event approaches, buoyed by growing numbers of international tourists arriving on the island. “Our main priority right now is getting more people through the market gates, which is why we are ramping up advertising and outreach across multiple channels,” Forde explained. “While we don’t have the foot traffic volume we hoped to see at this stage, we are confident that visitor numbers will pick up as we get closer, especially with the ongoing influx of travelers from overseas.”
Even with slower early turnout, Forde confirmed that local vendors have already recorded a noticeable uptick in business compared to previous months, with sales figures tracking roughly on par with 2023 levels, just slightly below internal projections. “There is definitely an increase in sales so far, and while we always believe there is room to grow, our members are happy with the current trajectory,” he added.
The Bridgetown Market has long been a signature stop for both local residents and international visitors, offering a wide selection of authentic Barbadian artisanal and food products that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. From dairy-free homemade ice cream to handcrafted local goods, Forde noted that the market offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience that draws repeat visitors year after year. “Vendors are really excited to welcome everyone, from locals who’ve been coming for decades to first-time international visitors, to try these truly unique products that they can’t get back home,” he said.
Looking beyond this year’s Foreday Weekend event, Forde also shared that BARVEN is hoping its member vendors will be included in future planned indoor market events hosted on the island, though formal confirmation from event organizers has not yet been received. Addressing lingering tensions from the previous year’s event, where some long-time vendors expressed frustration over being assigned new vending spots instead of keeping their preferred traditional locations, Forde emphasized that vendors are willing to adapt to new organizational arrangements, even when adjustments cause minor inconvenience.
“Change is an inevitable part of any growing event, and sometimes you don’t get every single thing you hope for. You have to be flexible and work with new arrangements,” he explained. “Our main goal this year is to work with organizers to resolve any location assignment issues amicably, so everyone can have a successful, positive experience at the market.”