Vendor Application
Think your business is ready for Lexington Market? Apply in our next applicant round to secure a spot at Baltimore’s most iconic public market. Round two will take place from January to March 2021.
Selection Principles
Over the past year, we’ve listened to Market customers, vendors, business owners, and ordinary citizens of Baltimore about the direction they’d like to see for Lexington Market. From all the input we heard, we created these guiding principles for vendors old and new in the Market.
1
The new Lexington Market will increase the variety of prepared and fresh foods while maintaining a core set of everyday grocery items at the Market’s current, affordable price points.
2
The new Lexington Market will better reflect the diversity of the City of Baltimore and increase representation of Black-owned, women-owned, and city resident-owned businesses.
3
The new Lexington Market will incorporate the best of Baltimore and Maryland’s food culture, while including vendors who have served the Market’s customers for many years.
What We’re Looking For
Successful public market vendors are masters of their trade and uniquely dedicated to their businesses and customers. We’re looking for vendors who are knowledgeable and skilled in their product area and demonstrate knowledge of operating a small business. Your business should stand out from others and deliver affordable, quality products and great customer service. We will also consider vendors as part of the market as a whole, as described in our Vendor Mix document.
Vendor Timeline
Round 1
August 11, 2020
Applications Open
October 5, 2020
Application Deadline
November, 2020
Interviews
December, 2020
Final Decisions
Round 2
January, 2021
Application Open
March, 2021
Application Deadline
April, 2021
Interviews
May, 2021
Final Decisions
Selection Process
We believe an equitable and transparent selection process is essential to rebuild Baltimore’s original public market. The selection process will be guided by a committee made up of industry professionals and community members. There are two selection stages: first, an application review stage; then, an interview stage where Prepared Food and Specialty Food applicants will be asked to provide food samples.
