Economic factors and the pandemic have led to many malls and shopping centers losing tenants, but many have devised creative ways to repurpose those vacant spaces.

When Charming Charlie filed for bankruptcy a second time in 2019, it closed its remaining 261 stores in 38 states—including its 9,484-square-foot store at North Naples’ Mercato, leaving the popular jewelry, clothing and accessories store’s space vacant for years. But Mercato has since transformed the space into an air-conditioned artisan market, Hand & Harvest, where 25-30 entrepreneurs sell products on Saturdays twice monthly.

Hand & Harvest was originally created as an outdoor market in October 2020 to provide local artisans with a COVID-19-friendly place to sell goods. But the cool, spacious indoor market has attracted entrepreneurs and established small businesses—and lured new customers to Mercato.

“Our goal was to have 90% of the items handmade, with an emphasis on products rather than food,” Mercato Senior Marketing Manager Valerie Cope says, adding that the market has three food vendors: Chef Daniela Craciun, Chef Sebastian Mazzotta and CDL (Casa del Loro) Empanadas. “… We kept the palette very neutral so as not to compete with the vendor booths. The only pop of color inside is the branded backlit.”

That branded “Hand & Harvest” sign is located behind what was once the cash register area.

It took two months to get the space ready, including dismantling heavy freestanding displays, curating a vendor lineup and each space’s footprint, painting, adding an interactive chalkboard wall with a neon “Treat Yourself” sign and installing an inviting magnetic wall with letters for kids to play.

“We understood that each of our vendors would have a unique aesthetic for their space, so we intentionally chose to revamp the suite into a very open, bright, elegant and minimalist canvas for their creativity,” Cope says, referring to the use of a neutral white Sherwin-Williams paint.

Mercato repurposed Charming Charlie shelving, as well as rustic furniture and white bistro seating that was in storage after being left by other stores. “I knew one day we would find a use for them, and am so happy we were able to give them a second life,” Cope says.

To add a luxurious touch, it purchased Possini Euro Design White Flower pendant chandeliers from Lamps Plus.

Vendors pay $35 for a space during the summer and $50 during season. Cope said the intent wasn’t to make a profit—Mercato loses money on the space—but the market’s existence brings new customers to Mercato, so it works with vendors in providing a space to best suit their needs, and many leave their setup there.

“We intentionally positioned En Root so plants and succulents were one of the first items you saw as you entered the market,” Cope explains. “Some vendors, such as a children’s book author, might only need a very small space while others, like Guzel International Design, who has gorgeous textiles and clothing from Turkey, eventually migrated to a very large corner and created a mini boutique.”

Some artists ask for flat walls to hang their work. “Terracotta Grey, who sells African shields and sculptures adorned with glass beads and cowrie shells, is making great use of shelving that was left over from the Charming Charlie days,” Cope says. “One of my favorite setups is by Statement Peace; Jess created an incredibly warm and welcoming boho vibe to complement her wooden jewelry, hats and crystals.”

Jessica “Jessy” Lee founded Statement Peace in 2018 and grew her online sustainable laser-cut jewelry, accessory and clothing store worldwide during the pandemic. To customize her space, she added rugs, an armchair, macrame hanging shelves and shelving to create an ambiance that says peace and home. The neutral, earthy tones complement the warmth of her wooden jewelry.

“With its vibrant mix of businesses and welcoming atmosphere, the market proved to be more than just a location; it was an opportunity to connect with the community and local brands like Statement Peace,” Lee says. “It’s not just about jewelry. It’s about a shared philosophy. People visiting Statement Peace can expect to resonate with the good vibes that the brand exudes—vibes of sustainability, connection and community.”

Hand & Harvest also features live music, the Bubbles prosecco bar and a painting bar, both of which benefit the nonprofit Empty Bowls and draw people who gather to chat and paint bowls to raise money to feed the hungry. It periodically hosts themed markets, including Christmas in July and holiday markets in November and December.

Hand & Harvest is held from noon to 4 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at 9110 Strada Place, Suite 3135, across from Tommy Bahama.