What “Local” Really Means to Us at Stockton Market
Stockton Market has always been rooted in the community. Historically, it was a multi-vendor local food market filled with farms, artisans, and small makers from the surrounding region. When you walked into the space, it was lined with stalls and tables full of goods - local meat, fresh flowers, chocolate, spices, and thoughtfully made pantry staples. It was a place where people came not just to shop, but to connect.
After many years in business, that version of Stockton Market sadly closed, and the building sat quietly, waiting for its next chapter.
In late 2022, the process of reimagining Stockton Market began. We were still in the midst of the pandemic, and the community around us was shifting. New neighbors were moving from nearby cities, weekend residents were becoming full-time locals, and people were searching for high-quality food and a place to gather. What felt most important was preserving the spirit of what had always made this market special.
From the beginning, supporting local farms, producers, and makers remained a non-negotiable. After months of exploration, we defined what “local” truly meant for us at Stockton Market. We chose to focus on products sourced within a 100-mile radius of Stockton, New Jersey - close enough to build real relationships, support regional agriculture, and stand behind the quality of what we sell.
When we opened, all of our provisions fit within that guideline, and many still do today. We continue to sell locally grown flowers, stock products made within that radius, and work closely on a weekly basis with distributors like Zone 7 (link), which focuses on Hunterdon County farms and regional makers. These partnerships allow us to highlight seasonal ingredients and showcase the best of what our area has to offer.
Over time, the market has evolved. We’ve added curated categories like Chef’s Picks - because while not everything can be local (Old Bay and salt from Iceland included), these staples are essential in a well-stocked kitchen. Even so, many of our top-selling products remain proudly local, including Solebury Orchards Apple Cider (link) and The Fudge Shoppe chocolate (link).
Stockton Market has been fortunate to work with and be a launch pad for incredible vendors over the years, many of whom have gone on to do big things. Some favorites from earlier days include Curiosity Donuts (link), Eat This Yum (link), Metropolitan Seafood (link), Sweet Melissa (link), and More Than Q (link). Watching these businesses grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of being part of this community.
We are proud of every version of Stockton Market - its history and its current state. Each chapter has shaped who we are today. We believe that when the tide rises, all ships sail, and by supporting local farms, food makers, and small businesses, we strengthen the entire community.