Main Street Merchants of Historic Medford Village is a 501.c.3 non profit organization.

Mission Statement: The Main Street Merchants of Historic Medford Village is a partnership of small business owners and community stakeholders dedicated to supporting a vibrant, thriving, and welcoming Historic Medford Village. Through collaboration, events, advocacy, and community engagement, we work to strengthen Main Street, support local commerce, preserve the character of our historic downtown, and foster a safe, friendly, and economically vibrant community for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Main Street businesses have spanned the ages, dating back to 1847 when Medford was founded. There have been many ebbs and flows over the years! Our quaint downtown has been on the upswing for the last few years thanks to the hard work and cooperation of our Main Street Business Partners! We organize all sorts of fun events, festivals, and shopping incentives! Everyone working with the Main Street Merchants is volunteering their time to do so, because our common goal is the success of Main Street!

2026 Board of Directors:
President: Craig Coccaro, Game on Arcade

Vice President: Abbie Galie, Lower Forge Brewery & Destination Medford

Recording Secretary: Lesha Moore, Lesha Studios | ELM Gallery

Corresponding Secretary: Jen Lingesso - Jenni's Goodies

Treasurer: Dana Jeffas - Love Thy Nature Refillery

Brief History of Main Street & How We Became the Main Street Merchants

Welcome to Historic Main Street, Medford, New Jersey.

Dating back to 1847, our town's unique charm and character have survived, adapted, and thrived through generations of change. Lined almost entirely with locally owned small businesses, Historic Main Street remains a place where independent shop owners, restaurants, service providers, and community organizations work together to create a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.

Throughout the year, the Main Street Merchants organize and sponsor events designed to celebrate our community and encourage people to explore downtown. You may have attended favorites such as the Get Lucky on Main Street Chocolate Hunt, Sidewalk Sales, Dickens Festival, Haunted Ghost Walk, Farmers Market, Merry Main Street, or Chalk the Walk. Other beloved Main Street traditions—including the Art, Wine & Music Festival, Third Thursday Food Truck Nights, the Halloween Parade, and the Scarecrow Festival—are organized by neighboring organizations that we are proud to work alongside whenever possible.

Main Street hasn't always been as bustling as it is today. In the early 2000s, there were more "For Rent" signs than business signs, and many wondered what the future of downtown would look like. By the mid-2010s, a renewed spirit of collaboration among business owners, community groups, and local supporters helped spark a revival. New businesses opened, events expanded, and downtown once again became a destination where people wanted to shop, dine, gather, and celebrate.

The Main Street Merchants have existed in one form or another for more than 40 years and remain the longstanding business organization dedicated specifically to Historic Main Street. For many years, the group operated under the umbrella of the Medford Business Association, helping promote local businesses and organize community events. In 2021, the Main Street Merchants established themselves as an independent nonprofit organization, allowing us to pursue our own goals, seek grants and sponsorships, and continue investing directly in the success of our downtown business district.

Today, our mission remains simple: support local businesses, strengthen the downtown community, and create memorable experiences that bring people together. While Main Street has changed over the years, one thing has remained constant—the belief that when local businesses work together, everyone benefits.

As you stroll through downtown, we encourage you to explore beyond your destination. Stop into a shop you've never visited before, grab a bite to eat, and ask business owners about their favorite neighboring businesses. You'll quickly discover what makes Historic Main Street special: a community built on collaboration, local pride, and the shared belief that small businesses matter.