New York's First Free Grocery Store, The Polymarket, Officially Opens Today

**Polymarket Launches NYC’s First Free Grocery Store Amid Kalshi User Acquisition Push** On February 12, prediction market platform Polymarket announced the official opening of *The Polymarket*—New York City’s first free grocery store—at 137 South 7th Avenue in Manhattan. Built by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers, the store offers all items free of charge (no purchase required) and is open to all city residents. Polymarket is also donating an additional $1 million to local food banks. The launch follows intensified user acquisition competition between Polymarket and rival Kalshi, which has rolled out free grocery promotions in New York. On February 3, Kalshi hosted an event at WestSide Market in downtown Manhattan, giving away $50 in free groceries to attendees. Long lines formed at the event, with many participants noting the offer equaled several hours of wages and was highly appealing. Kalshi co-founder Tarek Mansour said the initiative aimed to give back to the community while expanding the platform’s user base.