Doing Business - Retail Markets

The cornerstone of Burlington's retail area is the Church Street Marketplace, attracting approximately 3 million visitors and shoppers annually. The Urban Land Institute noted that the Church Street Marketplace "has kept downtown Burlington the retail center of the region." The four-block long, predominately pedestrian mall is managed by the City of Burlington through a nine-member volunteer commission. The Marketplace Commission, which expanded from the shopping center industry model of management, oversees the maintenance, operation, and promotion of the Marketplace. The Commission's $500,000 budget supports promotional (festivals, events, advertising) and maintenance activities.

The Church Street Marketplace, one of the most successful pedestrian malls in the United States, is abutted by classic buildings, many of which have been handsomely restored in the last decade. Retail space is nearly 100 percent occupied, complemented by residential and commercial office space. National tenants such as Laura Ashley, Borders Books, Old Navy, Pier 1, Lindt Chocolates, Discovery Channel Store, Eddie Bauer and Banana Republic blend with distinctive local retailers. In addition, the Marketplace boosts the convenience of an enclosed shopping center, the privately-owned Burlington Town Center, featuring more than 60 shops with renowned retailers such as Filene's, The Gap and Gap Kids, The Limited, Waldenbooks, Williams-Sonoma, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Victoria's Secret.

The Marketplace is extensively programmed and managed to be a lively place throughout the year. The vitality of the Marketplace is similar to that of Boston's Faneuil Hall. An estimated 1 million Canadians visit the State each year, accounting for roughly 13 percent of Vermont's total visitors. Montreal, a city of over 3 million people is only 90 miles from Burlington.

In addition to the Marketplace, a growing retail sector is located along Burlington's waterfront. This up-and-coming area is connected to the Church Street Marketplace and the University campus by a free trolley that operates at 15-minute intervals.

Retail space in Burlington ranges from 200 square feet to 25,000 square feet, with varying lease rates depending upon the type of space. The Community and Economic Development Office keeps an updated listing of available rental space. This listing may be obtained by contacting it's office at (802) 865-7144 or (802) 865-7142 (TTY).