The Rust Belt Market

Was on vacation from Los Angeles and discovered this gem, really eclectic and did most of my Christmas shopping here… well done… bravo

For one of a kind handcrafted items, look no further. My experience here was fantastic. I loved that everything was made locally — I love to support small business in the Detroit area. I met many of the artists selling their goods. Very creative and fun place to shop on a Saturday afternoon!

When this place first opened, I was enthralled by the variety of vendors and affordable prices and gifts. A really cool concept. Now it’s getting kind of expensive and redundant, the kind of stuff you look at at art fairs but never buy unfortunately. There’s still a few great artisans but it’s a little one and done at this point. Still if you’ve never been here or are struggling with gift ideas I do recommend checking this place out at least once since there are few places like it around.

Love this funky place. Never know what you’ll find. Fun! Great as an adventure on the weekend after breakfast at Flytrap or on the way to Eastern Market

Came to look around before an early dinner.
While it was smaller than I expected, it was jammed packed with clothing, skate boards, coffee mugs, jewelry, baby clothes, vintage signs, tea, home made ice cream and random other cool things!
I did a couple of walk throughs to make sure I didn’t miss anything, but ended up purchasing a really neat antique copper looking necklace.
I like how the artists are set up, they each have their own area and is staffed so if you have questions about a product, you can ask the artist, directly. It’s kind of like an art show, but cooler.
I can see how this place may be busy on the weekends, so it’s worthwhile to come later in the day.
A neat stop in downtown Ferndale!!!

What a neat place for local goods!
I always enjoy finding spots like this when I’m traveling and looking for souvenirs. One thing that sets this place apart is that you can shop as you’d like. You don’t get bugged by anyone, but you can easily strike great conversation with the artists if you want. You’ll find all of the unique knick knacks you’re looking for.
The only downside is that it’s a large and conveniently located building, but only open Friday-​Sunday. It would be nice to stop in on any day if possible.

Amazing artists «market»! Every time I go I find something amazing. All the artists are friendly and generally excited to chat with you. I like that this is a full time location so instead of an art fair I can get to know people and find my favorite place.
From watching Facebook and Instagram they are very involved in Ferndale and take pride in the area which I love.
Check out my latest find. Love it!

Even when I don’t make a purchase, it’s always a great experience. This is my go to destination when shopping for that hard to find gift. There’s always something unexpected here and original. The atmosphere is laid back, relaxing and completely stress free. It’s a wonderful thing to do on a rainy weekend in Ferndale.

This place is neat & a great place to walk around when in the Ferndale area.
They have cool crafts and gems for your home if you’re looking for something different, unique, and of course home made.
They have coffee and food to snack on while you walk around vendor to vendor and there is no pressure to buy anything at all. The vendors are informative about the products and nice.
I am pretty sure you can have a event here as well — few times we have walked by we have seen them preparing for a event of some kind. It looks cool.
Shop local and browse around this awesome place :)

When I lived in Seattle, I used to visit a store called venue. That store had different artists who showed and sold their work. This space reminds me of a larger version of venue. There are different artists, clothing vendors, an d good vendors, all whom are local to Michigan. The items sold here are unique and fun. I really enjoyed walking around here, and I am excited to come again to check out new merchandise!

Definitely check this place out the next time you’re in Ferndale. Actually better yet, make a special trip. This is a great location for local artists to show their talents. Lots of great gift opportunities. There is even a vendor who makes cards. Inside you’ll also find vendors who have food and drinks including tea and coffee. Everyone is incredibly nice and there’s a definite feel to this market that you just have to experience yourself.

This place is pretty sweet. They have a great variety of local artists and others who have Michigan made products. Picked up a super cute hoodie and some homemade cinnamon honey. Apparently the vendors change regularly so I plan to stop in again to see what other gems I find.

We LOVE anything & everything Michigan so when we find businesses like Art is in Market, Mitten Crate or Live Love Michigan, we feel like it is our Michigander duty to share the wealth & knowledge with all of our followers. My recent experience at a Ferndale based business was without a doubt one of the best. Rust Belt Market is THE PLACE for artists, collectors, and shoppers who admire the Mitten State as much as we do.
Rust Belt is an artist & vintage market that is open year-​round and full of Made in Michigan vendors. Hour Detroit named Rust Belt the «Best Place to Buy Local Craft» for two years straight (2013 & 2014) for a reason. From coffee to furniture and art to clothing, Rust Belt Market has something for everyone… especially the Michigan lover.
It is best to arrive at Rust Belt with no task in mind so you can take it all in and possibly discover something new. It is difficult to give an exact cost, but I can guarantee you will not come out empty handed and will feel good about putting money into the hands of local, small businesses. I bought a beer carrier from Michigan Reconstructed ($ 36), a baby infinity scarf from Ori Kami Organics ($ 12) and a two types of metal beer openers from Speedcult Detroit (MSU $ 35).
With 50 individual shops, Rust Belt Market is 4,000 square feet of awesome. Every vendor is responsible for setting up their space so each is done with pride and set up beautifully.
I almost exploded with excitement as I walked through the doors. There is so much to see and it is truly a pleasure to talk with the artists, creators and business owners. Rust Belt Market is a perfect place to support local businesses & share your love for Michigan.

I like Rust Belt. I can always find stuff I never knew I needed. It’s a combo of Etsy, Real Vintage, Ebay, and a unique gift shop. Also has interesting foods to try… I like the layout of the place, booths and walking spaces are well laid out and spacious. Parking behind the building is good and when my arms are loaded with bags I appreciate it. I kind of wish it was bigger, and I’m sure they will grow over time. I could definitely have spent more time roaming around.

L-​O-​V-​E.
Whether you’re a designer, artist, or just appreciate all things creative, Rust Belt has something for you. I am a fan of all things local, and this place has a small, but well curated, selection of local business owners.
My favorites:
— HEX
— Soul Seasonings
— Speedcult Detroit
Though these three are ones that I have gravitated towards, all the merchants there are truly gifted in their own craft. It’s mind-​blowing to know where their story originated from, and how they gathered inspiration to create what they have today. As an entrepreneur myself, I can appreciate the tenacity it takes to thrive on your own.
Sometimes I come just to take a walk and get inspired. Other times, I come here on a mission to buy some new shiny things for myself and loved ones. Or, on the most recent trip, I came just to catch up and chit chat with some of these merchants and see what they’re up to.
Just come here and take a look for yourself. The worst thing that you can do to yourself is to go home with a slice of yummy cake from Soul Seasonings. :) I’d say that’s mission accomplished to me. ;)

Rust Belt is best served in Ferndale than Detroit. The building was previously occupied by an Old Navy outlet. I miss bargain hunting at that store.
You can find cool vintage items at RB from clothing, jewelry to art work and home goods. It is also a great place to buy unique gifts. There are 20+vendors from the Southeast Michigan area with room available for more.

After reading so many good things about this place, I finally found a friend to join me on a Saturday morning! So many different vendors! All unique and totally local. Jewlery, coasters, organic cotton baby clothes, art, coffee, candles… the list of what is being created and sold here is endless!
I love that an abandoned Old Navy store could be turned into something SO cool! Everyone was super nice and there is so much to see. Most vendors take credit cards, but if not, there is an on-​site ATM. I got so many gift ideas for the holidays! If you are close by, you will be very happy you stopped in!

I love this little market!
There’s a ton of different artisans and the shops tend to rotate once in a while. I love walking around, talking with people about their crafts, and supporting local artists.
Some of the shops include steel workers, wood artists, birdhouses, cupcakes, drinking vinegars, candles, clothes, and all sorts of photography, art, etc.
Go support local!

Been coming here every few months for gifts and brought my husband the last time. We’re doing a renovation and wanted some local art.
This place keeps getting better! More vendors and expanded space for some who were previously there means an even better selection of everything from jewelry to beer bottle cap art to clothing.
We generally start by the corner door and do a loop, picking up a card anyplace we see something that might merit more of a look and then do a second (and sometimes third) loop to revisit and make decisions. I really love the railroad spike art, Detroit hex, smash books and journals, multimedia art and of course, Precious Hardware. But no matter which booth or vendor, everything is interesting and a one of a kind find.
It doesn’t hurt that they often have local snacks :)

THIS PLACE IS SO COOL! And possibly really weird as well. I came here after a huge lunch with my sister because it was pretty much across the street. It’s a huge indoor open market of home-​made crafts and intriguing items. They say they are like an in-​person Etsy. Or its just a very interesting flea market. They have different vendors come through on and off throughout the weeks. Open rain/​shine, hot/​cold. Thank goodness. Most of everything consisted of jewelry (some of which was amazing), pocketwatches filled with random stuff from Detroit (Precious Hardware). A lot of vintage designs that are probably newly created. Some clothing (mostly scarves, wraps, really super cool ties, and t-​shirts). Some really cool local artwork, hand-​crafted furniture, greeting cards. Detroit Surf Co. is there with paddle boards and surf gear. Didn’t even know this existed! You can buy some tea here and sometimes they will have random things like cooking oils and spices, smelly soaps.
The coolest attraction I came across though by far was the stuff created out of the closet from Painted Lady Trashions. There is some crazy stuff going on on her shelves and in her jars! Actual specimens collected from around the world and jarred. Holy hell. Baby heads. I have never been more creeped out and intrigued in my life. If you go to the market, definitely pay a visit to this corner. Before you leave there is a kiosk for fresh micro-​roasted coffee from HenriettaHaus Roasters and snacks of pie, cake, scones, etc.