The newly opened Downtown Corner Market at 925 Garrison Avenue is bringing fresh energy to the heart of our community, perfectly positioned as a welcoming gateway into downtown. Since opening its doors on March 1, 2025, owner Candise Montemayor has transformed the iconic corner building into an inviting space with a unique blend of farmer's market charm and retro elegance.

Step inside, and you'll immediately feel the market's welcoming vibe. Vibrant green awnings, grassy rugs, and décor reminiscent of a classic 1930s soda shop provide customers with not just groceries, but an experience. "Creating an interesting and welcoming environment was important to us," says Montemayor.

A Celebration of Local Products

Downtown Corner Market emphasizes local goods, partnering with Arkansas artisans and vendors to fill its shelves. Shoppers will find everything from freshly baked sourdough bread and handcrafted chocolates to mission-driven, locally roasted coffee from Vital Coffee Roasters. Other featured vendors include Martha's Kitchen, offering unique meal starters and canned goods, and Prairie Fairy's eco-friendly soaps and natural skincare from Latter Grace.

With a focus on food staples and convenience items, the market aims to provide everything you need to prepare a meal at home. Montemayor has thoughtfully curated products to cater specifically to downtown residents, workers, and visitors alike.

“We want to support local as much as we can," Montemayor adds, highlighting the market's commitment to local artisans and vendors.

Meeting Community Needs

Downtown Corner Market is uniquely positioned to meet the longstanding desire for a grocery store within walking distance of homes, apartments, and downtown businesses. Inspired by community feedback, Montemayor pivoted from her previous business,

Timeless Oddities & Curiosities, into this new venture, staying downtown because of her deep connection to the community and appreciation of its historical charm.

"I attended various city meetings and consistently heard that downtown needed a grocery store," Montemayor explains. "I wanted to be the one to meet that need."

Sustainability at Heart

Eco-conscious shoppers will appreciate the market’s mindful approach to sustainability. Products are packaged in environmentally friendly materials like cellophane, and the shop continually seeks ways to reduce plastic use.

"We try to be low plastic," Montemayor emphasizes. "That's an important part of keeping things small and mindful."

Ambassadors for Downtown

As one of the first sights visitors see entering downtown Fort Smith, Downtown Corner Market plays a significant role as a community ambassador. Staff happily provide local information and tips, guiding visitors and residents alike to explore everything downtown has to offer.

Growing with Fort Smith

Montemayor already has exciting future plans for the market. Soon, customers can look forward to cooking classes, online ordering, local delivery options, and special vendor showcases. "We have room to grow," she adds. "We're excited to pivot and adapt based on community feedback."

Main Street Fort Smith’s Role

Supporting new businesses like Downtown Corner Market is central to Main Street Fort Smith’s mission. From promotional events like Cocoa Crawl to providing valuable resources and networking opportunities, Main Street Fort Smith has been instrumental in the market’s successful launch. Montemayor emphasizes the organization's value, noting,

"Main Street Fort Smith helps businesses connect, grow, and thrive through continuous support and events that encourage community engagement."

Visit the Market!

Ready to explore Downtown Corner Market yourself? Visit during their business hours:

• Sunday - Monday: 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

• Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm

Be sure to follow Main Street Fort Smith on Facebook and Instagram for more exciting news about our downtown community and thriving local businesses!