MENTOR, Ohio — "Strength in numbers" is proving true in Mentor, where small business owners and vendors are joining forces to reopen their own hyper-local marketplace inside the Great Lakes Mall.

Oliver's Emporium has experienced so much interest among vendors and shoppers that it has expanded hours and doubled in size.

It's a trend that is exploding in popularity as the retail and mall landscape continues to evolve.

Staffers say shoppers want to experience things in person, and they're thrilled folks are embracing local businesses and creators during a challenging economic time.

"We have grown tremendously. More than two-fold," said Lori Pojman, an Oliver's Emporium vendor.

It's a new era at Oliver's Emporium inside the Great Lakes Mall.

Nearly one year later, at the hyper-local mar

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