Today we’d like to introduce you to Keri Topjian.
Hi Keri, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Market at Dover Station really started with the building itself. It’s an historic 1912 property that had been a staple in the community for decades, and we saw an opportunity to reimagine it in a way that felt both meaningful and relevant today. The goal wasn’t just to redevelop a space—it was to create something that could bring people together.
From the beginning, we were focused on building a curated, community-driven market. We wanted to create a platform for small businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs—especially those who might not otherwise have access to a brick-and-mortar space. So we brought together a mix of retail, art, and experiences under one roof, with a strong emphasis on quality, storytelling, and connection.
As we’ve grown, it’s become more than just a place to shop. It’s really evolved into a hub for events, collaborations, and creative energy on the Eastern Shore. We’re constantly refining and building—figuring out how to better support our vendors, improve the guest experience, and expand what the space can offer.
At its core, it’s about creating something that feels alive—where commerce and community naturally intersect.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Dover Station, a historic building in the heart of Easton, had been sitting vacant for eight years when we took it on, but it’s long been part of the fabric of the community, and we felt a strong responsibility to honor that history while giving it new life.
The building itself has so much character—its scale, natural light, and industrial roots really helped shape the vision for what The Market could become. Of course, bringing a space like that back after years of vacancy comes with challenges. Every decision required balancing preservation with functionality, figuring out how to make it work for a modern, multi-use environment while still respecting what made it special.
The support from the community along the way has been overwhelming in the best way, and we’re deeply grateful for it. Building something new from the ground up takes stamina, patience, and creativity, and now, about a year and a half in, it’s incredibly rewarding to hear both new and returning customers say it’s becoming one of the best places to shop in Easton.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Market at Dover Station is a curated collective of small businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs, all brought together under one roof. At its core, we’re a platform—we exist to create opportunity for independent businesses while offering a thoughtful, elevated shopping experience rooted in the Eastern Shore.
A defining part of Dover Station’s story is its location along Easton’s Rails to Trails, where trains once delivered goods directly into town. Dating back to 1912, the building was formerly home to Easton Wholesale LLC and served as a hub of commerce for decades. After sitting vacant for eight years, we saw an opportunity to restore and reimagine the space—honoring its history while giving it a new purpose as a place for community, creativity, and connection.
That sense of history and place carries through everything we do. We place a strong emphasis on local businesses, with many of our vendors being small, family-owned operations. Much of what you’ll find is handmade or locally produced—from original artwork, to a sixth-generation florist, to a woodworker specializing in custom, high-end furniture. There’s a real depth of craftsmanship and story behind the products, and that level of intention is what sets The Market apart.
We’re also very focused on curation. This isn’t just a collection of vendors—it’s a cohesive environment where each business contributes to a larger, thoughtfully designed experience. We want it to feel inspiring and immersive, not just transactional.
Dover Station continues to evolve beyond the Market itself. Upstairs, The Loft at Dover Station is a 4,000-square-foot event space designed for weddings, banquets, showers, and celebrations of all kinds. A café connected directly to the Market is coming soon, and the final phase of the project will introduce a brewery complete with a beer garden, restaurant, and additional event space—further establishing Dover Station as a true destination.
Through events, collaborations, and seasonal activations, the space remains dynamic and continues to bring people together in meaningful ways.
What we’re most proud of, from a brand perspective, is that the Market has developed a clear and recognizable identity. It’s something people connect with—they return often, bring others with them, and see it as more than just a place to shop.
More than anything, we want people to know that this has all been built with intention. It’s about supporting local businesses, preserving history, and creating something that continues to grow alongside the community it serves.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For small businesses, artists, and makers, we’re always looking for the right fit to join the Market. We’re very intentional about curation, so we encourage anyone interested to reach out to market@doverstation.com and start a conversation about becoming a Market Partner. There is also a submission form on our website.
We collaborate regularly with individuals and organizations on events, installations, and special activities—whether that’s hosting something within The Market or upstairs at The Loft at Dover Station for larger gatherings like weddings, fundraisers, or corporate events.
As we continue to grow—with the café and brewery on the horizon—there will be even more opportunities for partnerships and collaboration at Dover Station.
And of course, one of the most meaningful ways to support us is simply by showing up—shopping small, attending events, and spreading the word. That kind of community support is what allows both The Market and our vendors to thrive.
To get in touch, learn more, or start a conversation, visit www.doverstation.com or follow along on social media @themarketatdoverstation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.doverstation.com
- Instagram: themarketatdoverstation
- Facebook: @themarketatdoverstation
Image Credits
Sarah Culver
