“There is a little something for everybody; all age groups, all shapes and sizes.” This is what Karen told me when I stepped foot in Bliss Marketplace to learn about what they sell, and where exactly the store fits into Downtown Willimantic’s heartbeat. What have I learned from her so far?
Well, walking into Bliss Marketplace is an experience unlike any other traditional thrift store. Instead, they offer variety; carefully curated windows into artists who specialize in various things. No vendor is the same; from Moon Tower Vintage to Your Sister’s Closet, every collaboration is done with purpose. Products complement one another because Bliss prioritizes distinct style over filling shelves. Dedication and quality are also important to them. “We want people who are going to be committed to keeping up with their spaces,” Karen explained, “We want people who put a lot of time into their art, and who stand by what they do the same way we stand by what we do.” From my own observations, I would say there is no desire on their end to fit into a box of what one might consider ‘typical.’ They have incense, handmade jewelry, trinkets, and even belts that you would never find mass-produced anywhere else. Everything is one of a kind. Bliss is a space for the stylish and the eccentric, the witchy and the Y2K enjoyers. Even so, Bliss aims to make their products accessible to everyone in Willimantic. It is a space where everybody, regardless of aesthetics, can find something that feels personal to them.
But how did Bliss begin? Well, in 2013, Kim Cash–the current owner–opened her first store on High Street, where she aspired to run a second-hand retail shop with reasonably priced options. Pop-up vendors were occasionally hosted, and the boho/vintage style was predominant in the store. But within 2 months, its rapidly growing popularity made expansion necessary. Kim opened her next store in 2015. Three years later, she merged both businesses into what we know now as Bliss; a larger marketplace with more permanent vendors. She knew that second-hand shopping not only reduces waste but gives clothing another life. It makes higher-end fashion affordable for those who love shopping.
I asked Karen about where she started out with Bliss Marketplace personally: “I first went into Bliss when Kim had her other shop over on High Street. It was a smaller version of what we have now. I fell in love with the curation…the uniqueness of the second-hand shop. I loved the idea of things being reused, getting a better price on things that are in just as good condition as a brand-new item.” So, what began as an appreciation for thrifting progressed into her current role in helping shape Bliss’s identity. However, everyone active in the store recognizes that they are a part of molding something much bigger too. Rather than existing as an isolated business, Bliss Marketplace reflects the collaborative spirit that Karen says defines the Willimantic area. Downtown businesses frequently work together, promote each other’s events, and support local creators’ ideas. Each new market that pops up is viewed as an opportunity to bond with business owners, rather than something to overshadow. Karen was particularly enthused while explaining this part to me. “I think the Downtown Willimantic community is very intertwined. They like to collaborate, they like to help each other out. There’s no competition. It’s all just about collaboration.”
I couldn’t have agreed more. I can’t name an instance of competition I’ve witnessed in this town myself. Next, she described walking through Downtown as an experience rather than just a shopping trip. Each spot has its own personality, and visitors are encouraged to find whichever one clicks the best with their tastes. “There’s no spot, I think, in Downtown that’s like, ‘Oh, well, I could find this somewhere else.’” She said. “I think all the businesses in Downtown really know the art of Willimantic and the people of Willimantic, and they cater to that very well.”
For Karen, one of the most rewarding parts of working at Bliss is watching customers light up with excitement when they find the perfect item. That could range from handmade candles to Pokémon earrings, a boho skirt, or even mystery bags of crystals. Every business has tough days, but the brightest ones make it worth it in the end for her. “I just love watching what people find, what they’re excited about. It inspires us to get more of those things and to keep building.”
Today, Bliss Market has a fast-growing online presence, where they promote themselves on Instagram for more traction (@blissmarketplace & @blissresale.) They’re aiming to become a destination for people outside of Willimantic to visit. Their recently developed Artist Rooftop Lodge is an open space for community gatherings and workshops, which further strengthens their hub for local artists.
Bliss Marketplace effectively represents a community much larger than itself. It shines through its values of sustainability and passion, and we are grateful to have it flow into the rhythm of Downtown Willimantic.