'Spring Up' Experience Opens At Bryant Park

Press release from Urbanspace:

April 21, 2021

Food hall and marketplace curator Urbanspace today announced the opening of ‘Spring Up’ – an immersive dining and shopping experience in Bryant Park – starting April 15 and running through June 20, 2021. Coinciding with the warmer weather and gradual reopening of New York City, the market will showcase a dynamic mix of original art, antique collectibles, jewelry and cuisines from more than 40 local small businesses.

“It’s been a devasting year for small businesses, and we are eager to play our part in the City’s recovery as we begin to see New York come back to life,” said Urbanspace President Eldon Scott. “Urbanspace is built on the concept of building community and meaningful interactions with people, and the Spring Up Market is just that. It’s a great way to enjoy the season with friends and family.”

While bringing in local favorites such as Ample Hills ice cream and Cheeseboat to the spring market, Urbanspace has also placed a special focus on supporting and curating businesses owned by women and members of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Featured vendors include Smooth Pops, Oohjacquelina Jewelry, Beriqisu, ekosfere and more.

In addition to the eclectic mix of businesses, guests can also enjoy shopping wares organized in partnership with Nick Heller (@NewYorkNico), New York City’s “unofficial talent scout.” A specially curated booth will feature local small businesses hand-picked by Heller, including Bronx Native, Lulu Vintage Clothing, Pageant Print and Fantasy Explosion, each of which are operating on one to two-week rotations showcasing their talents and products.

“I am honored to donate my booth at the Spring Up Market to a few small businesses that I personally admire and love,” says Heller, “Urbanspace’s market is the perfect way to kick off spring and the re-opening of NYC and now, more than ever, it’s incredibly important that we are all shopping local and supporting our community.”

Bank of America’s Small Business Spotlight returns to the park, providing a rent-free built out shop to five minority-owned businesses with annual revenue under $1M. The initiative builds on the success of a similar program held this past winter at the Holiday Shops at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Visitors can shop goods from Cognitive Coaching Candles, DA SPOT NYC, It’s Nola, Padoca Bakery, and Yamato Indigo who will alternate about every two weeks through the end of the market.

“At Bank of America we work to create opportunities and invest in programs that uplift the communities and individuals we serve,” said Anne Walker, President of Bank of America New York City. “The small businesses of New York City shape our neighborhoods, our identity and our local economy. The Small Business Spotlight was a transformative experience for the program’s previous participants, and we look forward to seeing how this extension will benefit these five new businesses.”

Urbanspace invites guests to enjoy the sunshine, shops and food daily from 11:00am – 8:00pm.

For more information on the Spring Up Market and a full list of vendors, please visit urbanspacenyc.com/springup2021.

This press release was produced by Urbanspace. The views expressed here are the author's own.