After a prominent vendor, Akron Honey, pulled its products from Northside Marketplace’s shelves earlier this week, other vendors came forward and cited outstanding unpaid sales from owner Justin Lepley.

On Saturday, Joel Testa, whose Testa Companies owns the complex the marketplace is located in, said in a press release posted by 7th Floor Clothing’s Preston Clark, a marketplace vendor, that he will take back control of Northside Marketplace, effective immediately, and turn it into a nonprofit enterprise. 

Testa was the original developer of Northside Marketplace in November of 2017. Testa Companies has been in recent talks with Lepley about the transfer of accounts, assets and control by June, according to the press release.

Some of the small businesses that sell their wares inside the Northside Marketplace. Some vendors have pulled their businesses from the location, saying that they haven't been paid for their sales.
Some of the small businesses that sell their wares inside the Northside Marketplace have pulled their businesses from the location, saying that they haven’t been paid for their sales. (Arielle Kass / Signal Akron)

“Through this process, it has become clear the marketplace has operated at a significant loss for some time and, despite [Lepley’s] best efforts to keep it afloat, it is not sustainable in its current structure,” the release said.

The marketplace will transition to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization known as the Marketplace Foundation, Testa said, with the intent of handing stewardship and control to the vendors and community who buy and sell on the premises.

Stay up to date: Read our original coverage of vendor troubles at Northside Marketplace here.

The release states that, effective immediately, all proceeds from the marketplace will be disbursed to owed vendors on a weekly basis. Testa Companies will also work with vendors individually to audit and repay all outstanding debts.

“Our immediate priorities are simple: ensure vendors are paid, stabilize operations, and rebuild trust,” the release said.

Signs inside Northside Marketplace advertise open spaces for vendors on Tuesday, May 5. Several of the small businesses that were located in the market have left or pulled their products, saying they haven't been paid for their sales.
Signs inside Northside Marketplace advertise open spaces for vendors on Tuesday, May 5. Several of the small businesses that were located in the market have left or pulled their products, saying they haven’t been paid for their sales. (Arielle Kass / Signal Akron)

A board will be formed to oversee the new nonprofit. The release lists three volunteer members: Akron Honey owner Brent Wesley, Clark, and Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre Manager September Howat.

All vendors will also have access to business development symposiums led by Testa himself. The free, weekly mentorship sessions will tackle marketing, sales and financial development strategies and are slated to include guest experts in personal and business growth.

“To our vendors and community: We hear you, and we are committed to helping you build the Marketplace you deserve,” the press release concluded.

Attempts to contact Joel Testa and Northside Marketplace vendors for comment were not immediately responded to.

Contributor (he/him)
Jack Solon is a lifelong Canton resident and recent graduate of Ohio University. He is committed to the betterment of Northeast Ohio through finding and telling the stories of the people who make our communities great places and giving voice to the most vulnerable among our residents and neighbors.