Since 1932, the Quakertown Farmers Market, better known as QMart, has been a destination for Bucks County families. The original Saturday auction, which took place in an old barn, has evolved into a 173,000-square-foot indoor market with more than 100 departments, two indoor flea market barns, and a large outdoor flea market.
Founder Stanley Rotenberger started the market on Station Road Farm during the Great Depression as a place for local farmers to buy and sell produce and goods. The auction news drew more farmers to the event, which became a community gathering for people living in the area. The market established its modern facility in 2001, which provides complete heating and air conditioning systems for year-round temperature control.
The market introduced 12 new stores the previous year, bringing new activities. The shopping center provides customers with multiple options, including the food court, a comic and video game store, and watching slot car competitions, as well as grocery shopping and visiting antique stores. The community attracts families through its year-round activities, including the Easter Egg Hunt, Trick-or-Treat and Truck Show, Fall Festival, and the “Pirate Invasion” event.
QMart offers its regular customers a wide selection of merchandise, which is why many choose this store as their primary shopping destination. Matt Marsee, 48, has been coming to the market for at least 40 years. “As long as I can remember,” he said. His favorite part is “walking around and looking at all the different stores and people. ”When asked about food, he didn’t hesitate: “That’s a tough one. I’d have to say the gyro is my favorite food. I also like the coupe. I very much like Theo’s Gyros.” His current favorite store is the one that sells 1980s action figures and toys from his childhood.
Younger customers also enjoy QMart. Tucker Motz has been visiting for about 10 years. He comes for “the different varieties of shops and a video game store.”His top picks are the video game store and the music store, and he still remembers “a cheese wiz cheesesteak that I had once” as his favorite food there. Both visitors agree QMart serves the community well. “Yes,” Marsee said simply when asked if the market offers a good service. Motz agreed with the statement, saying, “I think it does offer a good service to the community.”
