Opened in 1942 as a farmer?s produce market, the Santo Domingo Modelo Market located at Avenida Mella has become the country?s leading cultural touristic center, according to a report in Hoy newspaper. The center?s general manager, Ruben Dario Beltre, said that most of what is sold there are handicrafts produced in the country. According to him, the market has not expanded because there is no space for it to grow. He explained how the changeover from farmers? produce to handicrafts took place when the tourists who walked up to Avenida Mella after touring the Colonial City were interested primarily in purchasing artisanal items instead. Those vendors who offered such wares were doing better than those who offered food produce, and the switch was made. Beltre said there are 530 businesses installed within the center, and another 50 vendors who operate independently. He estimated that each business?s sales add up to RD$6,000 to RD$9,000 per day, and said that some vendors offering art can make up to US$200 to US$300 in one sale alone. By Beltre?s estimate, the stores collectively take in approximately RD$110 million a month. Business has been considerably consolidated, and many handicraft owners have up to 20 different stores in the market. The items most in demand are mamajuana, the spiced rum purported to have aphrodisiac properties, hats and tobacco. Amber and clay sculptures are also much in demand. Moises Martinez of the El Vegano gift shop says that tourists will buy anything. ?People come here from all around the world, that is why we sell everything. If they don?t like one thing, they will buy something else.?