LBX, a long-standing shopping complex in Long Beach, hosted its weekly neighborhood market at The Hanger with a Halloween theme featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse before strong winds and rain forced some attendees to leave early.
Despite the storm, vendors still showed up to sell food and merchandise and connect with the Long Beach community.
Vendors said the market helps create a stronger sense of connection among local businesses and residents.
Sports jersey vendor Angel Hernandez said he attended the market because of the role events like it play in supporting the community and local businesses.
“I think it’s good to be able to bring us together and help support small businesses because, you know, this is how we can fund our lives and support our family, so it’s very important to have these events all around Long Beach,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez said he hopes the market continues to grow and reaches more people throughout Long Beach.
“I do hope more people come to the event, and it does start to grow. I hope that this can branch out to other spots around Long Beach,” Hernandez said.
He also said events like the market can encourage younger people to spend more time interacting in person rather than online.
“I feel like everything is online, like stores, and people just stay online. This interview wouldn’t happen if it were all online, and younger people might not feel comfortable with an event like this because they’re too shy and would rather be on their phones. These types of events get people out of their shells,” Hernandez said.
Angel Hernandez, right, assists a customer browsing a rack of sports jerseys during the Not So Spooky Day Market at The Hangar at LBX on Oct. 10. Hernandez runs an Instagram page dedicated to selling soccer, football, basketball and baseball jerseys. (Jasmine Rosales)
Music played throughout the market as attendees browsed vendors selling toys, clothing and jewelry.
Samantha House, a first-time vendor at the market, said she had attended the event before and was drawn to its atmosphere.
“I live pretty locally here, and I have always seen this market a few times, and I always thought it was cute and very well put together, with little kids running around, also having a DJ, which is making people dance. It’s been a fun time,” House said.
House said both online sales and in-person markets can benefit small businesses, but local events offer something different by helping vendors build connections with their communities.
“Both are important for smaller businesses, but being able to have a connection with the communities is nice, and also just knowing there is a place that does have a safe place for your art and doesn’t make it feel weird makes this market feel like a nice community where people support each other,” House said.
Rain and strong winds eventually forced vendors to pack up and brought the market to an early end.
LBCC student Jordan Blount said he has attended LBX markets with family and friends for years and enjoys the opportunity to connect with the community near campus.
“This event is so important for Long Beach because you get to find cool things that are handmade art, and that feels amazing because you’re starting to see smaller businesses use AI instead of doing it on their own, so having a market where people show their creative work is nice,” Blount said.
As vendors packed up and the market came to an early end, Blount said he hoped the event would continue.
“I hope it does because I always try to come down to LBX after classes and come with friends, and having these markets feels nice because it makes Long Beach feel more special, but also just hanging out with friends around here is nice. I could grab a coffee and walk around, look at art, and buy some that is nice and isn’t millions of dollars,” Blount said.
Blount said he would also like to see the market attract more local artists and encourage people to spend more time engaging with the community.
“I would love to see it grow and inspire artists to come. I’m not an artist, but I have thought about starting my own stand because this area is so nice and calm, and everyone is so nice around here,” Blount said.
He also said markets like this give people an opportunity to step away from their phones and support local businesses.
“It would also be nice to see people put their phones down and take in how beautiful Long Beach is. A market where you can buy local stuff sounds amazing, instead of using Amazon or ChatGPT,” Blount said. “They can come here, save money, and enjoy the environment and the chill vibe.”
Blount said he often does homework at LBX because of its relaxed atmosphere and hopes similar community spaces continue to grow.
“I do homework here because it is nice and relaxed, so this market should grow, and I hope it does because Long Beach should have more places like this where everyone can relax and have small stores to support,” Blount said.
As the storm intensified, vendors closed their stands and attendees moved inside The Hangar or left LBX. The neighborhood market is scheduled to return the following Saturday.
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