LOCAL BUSINESS
The San Market wins Best Downtown Business in Texas
A spotlight is on San Marcos after local gift shop The San Market took home multiple awards. After celebrating their one-year anniversary back in September, in just over 365 days the shop has made a name for itself beyond the 78666 zip code. Receiving “Best Downtown Business in Texas” from Texas Downtown came as a shock to co-owners Kelly Bara and Janice Hardaway. Only weeks later they received the “2025 Emerging Business of the Year Award” from The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce.
The San Marcos community has embraced the store. Not only has it filled the gap of a one stop shop for San Marcos- themed goods, it’s created a community space where local artists and makers can sell their work. Hardaway grew up in San Marcos and reflected that there has never been a store like theirs. She gave props to the beloved Paper Bear but noted The San Market’s focus on localized gifts including San Marcos, Rattler and TXST themed gear.
Bara and Hardaway met through a project at Crockett Elementary where Hardaway was the PTO President at the time. She was looking to help the principal make Crockett merch and found out that Bara had a company doing just that. They joined forces to create mugs and shirts to lift the spirit of the school.
“We enjoyed working together and I don’t even remember how this conversation got started about opening a store,” Hardaway said.
“We didn’t even know each other that well,” Bara said.
After working together on the Crockett merch the two started to brainstorm different business ideas that could benefit San Marcos.
What started off as some light brainstorming for fun led Hardaway to look at what properties were available to house their dream business. She stumbled upon what used to house Rick’s Lock & Key and Accent Lighting Designs. Many San Marcos locals remember walking past the windows to peek in at the hundreds of lamps that once illuminated the square. Hardaway felt drawn to the building which has a history dating back to 1885. Many of the original businesses in the early 1900s consisted of general stores and various markets. Paired with the weekly San Marcos Farmers Market held right outside the shop every Friday, the name for The San Market was born, one that honors its past and celebrates its diversity of product.
Through the help of her parents who have owned businesses in San Marcos for over 50 years, Hardaway was able to purchase the building. At the time the owner of the building was wary about what businesses would take the space. Hardaway wrote a letter of their intention that made the owner so emotional that she cried.
“She was very touched by our kind of commitment to honoring San Marcos and the building,” Hardaway said.
They secured the historic building and what was once a dream started to manifest into a reality. Over the next year Hardaway and Bara worked together to transform the space into a retail haven. Starting off as almost strangers the two quickly bonded and not only built a business but a deep friendship.
The market is a one stop shop for all your gift needs. From San Marcos- themed gear to handcrafted local artwork, candles and more, there is something for everyone on the shelves. Within the year the store has been an active member of the community, participating in multiple Downtown San Marcos events that fostered community. They have build a steady community of regulars and have been a gateway to visitors looking to commemorate their trip to the town.
“It’s a super cool experience. You think you’re gonna open a store and just sell products, but there’s so much more to it,” Bara said.
“It’s been a really great response, not just from San Martians in general but other businesses have been very welcoming,” Hardaway said.
The owners are full of gratitude, saying that every person who shops with them is making an impact on the local economy and community.
Visit The San Market seven days a week at 114 E. San Antonio Street in Downtown San Marcos to have an award-winning shopping experience, support local, and find your next favorite gift.
