New Orleans French Market, New Orleans, Louisiana

Strategic Planning, Merchandising, Capital Improvements

The Market

The French Market is a historic market district dating to 1791, comprising a series of sheds, storefronts, kiosks, pocket parks, restaurants and event spaces alongside the Mississippi River. Owned by the city of New Orleans, it is managed by the 501©(3) French Market Corporation

The Job

The market requested assistance to evaluate opportunities for leasing, merchandising, capital improvements and procedures to guide strategic decision making.

Sales trends and merchandising were evaluated on a shed by shed, stall by stall basis. Recommendations to increase sales and the overall market ‘experience’ were made based on surveys, interviews, a gravity model and observations. Circulation, market stall design and parking were also addressed as they related to specific merchandising changes or opportunities. The recommendations formed an integral part of the overall renovation of the market which was completed in late 2009.