About State Street Market Shops

Established in 1982, State Street Market Shops have been a vibrant part of the Elgin, Illinois community for over 41 years. Housed in a turn-of-the-century Millworks building along the Fox River, we support over 35 small, individually owned businesses under one roof. We have a visitors center with collectibles, publications, and historical photos and artwork of the Elgin area and the surrounding Fox Valley. Twice yearly the Market hosts fundraisers for the Community Crisis Center of Elgin along with the support and generosity of our vendors and customers. We have monthly themed events featuring live music, treats, and either door prizes or special discounts. Some of our vendors are artisans and they host workshops teaching their crafts, such as needle felting and papercrafts. We have a tea shop that hosts parties and high tea, and the coffee is always brewing in our cafe area where light snacks and soft drinks can be purchased. Our resident photographer is quite popular as she hosts photo sessions around holidays for people and pets.

Our manager, Sally Farmer has been with State Street Market Shops since its inception and is the driving force behind the creative and unique seasonal displays. Her co-manager, Colleen Missbach has been her dedicated cohort, greeting customers at the front counter with her radiating smile and helpful attitude for decades. The 30 shop owners work together decorating and promoting each other's businesses and helping our customers find that special collectible, decor, or gift. Most of our vendors started out as customers and then had their entrepreneurial spirit and creativity lead them right into a becoming shop owners.

Our philosophy:

Every customer that crosses our threshold is a valued member of the State Street Market family. We welcome all and want all to feel welcome. We are so grateful for the generations of loyal customers that have supported us through recessions, the pandemic, and other tough times for themselves and our small business owners. Your loyalty is our greatest asset. Often times our customers will tell us that they enjoy our ever-changing inventory, the peaceful music, and the shopping experience as a way to relax from life's daily grind and we appreciate knowing that we can offer that experience. A smile, a simple story, or an anecdote shared always makes our day. The relaxed shopping atmosphere seems to bring out the best in people and we've met rock stars, social media sensations, lots of friendly dogs, old hippies and young hipsters, musicians, artisans, and some of the Midwest’s friendliest people.

We are very proud to be in business for 41 years and look forward to many more!

Unlike other “big-box antique malls,” the State Street Market Shops is not a warehouse. “Large but homey” is how the facility has been described by shoppers. Customers are welcomed by vendors who have a personal stake in ensuring a positive shopping experience, not by warehouse workers who may or may not know about the products they sell.

Our rental structure is also one of the most economical in the immediate area. Our booth rental costs start at roughly $1.25 less per square foot than our next largest competitor.

Our vendors also host regular events, ranging from “how to” classes on needle felting and scrapbooking to tasting baked goods, teas, jellies, jams, and salsas. Monthly events are held that include seasonal sales, extra shopping hours, complimentary treats, and live music.

The State Street Market Shops also supports local charities and organizations. Donations of clothing and food are gathered each year for the Women’s Crisis Center. We love animals! Anderson Humane Animal Welfare Organization is among our favorite charities. State Street Market Shops is a proud Elgin Downtown Merchant’s Association member, and we host an Elgin visitor’s center on the premises.

For 42 years, State Street Market Shops has been the perfect “incubator” for entrepreneurs. We celebrate our vendors who have grown into the next phase of their businesses and moved on from our location. Their success is our success. We also cherish our long-standing vendors, who are the bedrock of our long history.

We encourage potential vendors to consider joining us as we move toward the next 40 years of success. Send your inquiries to auntiesisters@gmail.com.