WASHINGTON TWP., Pa. – A popular shopping destination is continuing to thrive with additional hours, products and convenience in Lehigh County.
Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 3, Slatedale Discount Provisions and other select tenants of Slatington Farmers Market will expand their operating hours to Wednesday through Sunday.
The 3.5-year-old market, at 8281 Route 873 in Washington Township, previously was open Friday through Sunday only.
Ryan Kneller
In addition to bolstering its hours, Slatedale Discount Provisions is increasing its merchandise mix to include fresh fruits and vegetables, freshly sliced deli meats and cheeses, additional dry goods and more.
Joel Berardi, owner of Slatedale Discount Provisions, saw a need for the expanded hours and product assortment following the recent closure of the Hucksters retail location – another discount grocery market – less than mile south of the farmers market on Route 873.
“Slatedale Discount Provisions understands the void left in the community, and we want to fill that void,” Berardi told 69 News.
Starting Wednesday, Slatedale Discount Provisions’ updated hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Shoppers can now browse fresh deli meats and cheeses, specialty salads and other goods – all at steep discounts – courtesy of Slatedale Homestyle Foods, Berardi’s other Slatington Farmers Market stand.
Slatedale Discount Provisions’ expanded selection of products also includes fresh produce such as apples and lettuce, fresh baked goods such as cookies and muffins and a larger selection of refrigerated and frozen items, including seafood, meats and dairy products.
The grocer’s selection varies weekly based on the deals that Berardi’s able to score, but customers also can browse a wide assortment of nuts, cereal, snacks, condiments, paper products, home goods and health and beauty aids.
“We’re carrying more in every category, from frozen fish to candy,” Berardi said.
Around a dozen other Slatington Farmers Market vendors are also introducing extended holiday hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays, according to market manager Amanda Ahlers.
These vendors and their extended hours include:
Slatedale Homestyle Foods: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and 4-7 p.m. ThursdaysBlue Ridge Farm Bakery & Bagel Shop: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and ThursdaysIllumination Brewing: 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays and ThursdaysStone Lake Winery: 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays and ThursdaysMarket Brew Coffee Shop: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and ThursdaysPapa Bear Designs: 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays and ThursdaysHappy Dayz: Noon to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays3W Eatery: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and ThursdaysGreen Dice Games: 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays and ThursdaysSerendipitous Boutique: 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays and noon to 7 p.m. ThursdaysArtist of Only Trees: 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays and noon to 7 p.m. ThursdaysThe Makery & Refillery: 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays and noon to 7 p.m. ThursdaysJenny’s Ice Cream & Acai Bowls: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays
Ryan Kneller
At this time, the market’s management team is unsure as to whether or not it will continue the extended hours after the holiday season, Ahlers said.
Individuals can stay updated on the latest Slatington Farmers Market announcements on the market’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
“We are experiencing ‘growing pains,’ while we all figure out how to pivot to a 5 or more day a week operation,” Ahlers said. “Many vendors have full time career jobs or family obligations that make additional hours challenging.”
Market owners Chris White, Josh Karoly and J.P. Karoly opened the 28,000-square-foot Slatington Farmers Market in June 2022 in a renovated space that previously housed Keystone Lamp Factory.
The farmers market is on the same campus as The Slatington Marketplace, an antiques and collectibles market with more than 150 vendors.
The farmers market features dozens of vendors offering fresh farm products, a variety of fast-casual cuisine and handmade goods from local growers, artisans and specialty food producers, among other items.
In October, the market welcomed Slatington Social, a multi-sport complex and event center featuring four pickleball courts, private party space and top-of-the-line sport simulator bays offering golf and other virtual, immersive activities such as soccer, hockey and lacrosse.