By Sophia Alem
Drift Marketplace is a student-run retailer founded in March of 2021 by Hunter Burkard during his time as a student at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Burkard worked part time at Chase Bank on Franklin Street and noticed a space for rent next to Mediterranean Deli. After contacting the landlord and renting the space, he began the process of finding local artists and other partners who had an interest in selling their work in a brick-and-mortar store.
In order to get in touch with the artists he partners with, Burkard relies on a combination of word-of-mouth information and outreach. Rosemary Street Market is one of the store’s vendors, and Burkard came into contact with them through mutual friends. According to Burkard, some people have actually walked into the store to highlight their work in hopes of forming a partnership with the store.
Drift sells products ranging from prints, artwork, clothing, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and digital art, many of them made by UNC students. Burkard wants the store to be a place where student creatives can showcase their work, providing a brick-and-mortar storefront featuring the talents of members of the community. Drift and the artists share the profits, and the artists are also employees providing the store’s retail operations, bringing a personal touch to each transaction.
As far as the future of Drift is concerned, there are exciting projects on the horizon. Despite the fact that Burkard graduated from UNC in the spring of 2022, he plans to continue operating Drift in addition to his other post-graduation plans. Part of the continuing evolution of Drift is getting into emerging technology. Burkard excitedly discussed a partnership in the works with Reese Innovation Lab to start the sale of NFTs and incorporate this into the operations of Drift.
Burkard said ultimately the mission of Drift was to know what it takes to run a business while also supporting local creatives. Drift is a great place for anyone in the area looking for locally made or student-made artwork as well as for those interested in the intersection between new technology and art. Be sure to stop by on your next visit to downtown Chapel Hill.
Hello, Regarding the article by Sophia Alem about Drift Marketplace 06/25/2022; Great story highlighting a new innovative local retailer. However after months of happening upon this space at random intervals, I am still reduced to gawking through the storefront window at desired & intriguing items rather than purchasing objects, because it seems there is Never Anyone Minding The Store. Do you have a clue about business hours for Drift or whom I can contact to make purchases at this location. I have been trying to purchase there since late winter/early spring 2022. Thank you