Shannon Stewart, co-founder of Soul Sisters Apparel straightens out her inventory at the Jingle Mingle Market. She said since coming to markets since the launch of her business in 2020 it has helped her business grow (Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNEWSToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Holiday markets provide much-needed boost to local vendors

Dec 4, 2021 | 7:53 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- The sounds of Christmas music blares as the colors of red and green become a common sight. It’s a sure sign that the holiday season is here, and with that comes holiday shopping. And for local vendors, this year, is a relief now that Christmas markets are back up and running.

” It feels great just to be out in the community, and to meet everybody and to get some Christmas shopping done,” said local vendor tumbler Katelyn Robertson of Daisy’s and Designs.

” It’s nice to be out and about again seeing people. I know for a lot of handmade businesses people prefer to see and feel them so I know for a lot of vendors it is nice to showcase products again,” added Emily Wallin of The Chew Crew.

Since the pandemic, many markets were forced to cancel, and vendors hoping to earn some cash had to make the switch online. But some said that switch wasn’t easy.

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“It’s hard to just be constantly on your phone on or offline, trying to reach out to people and sometimes it just doesn’t do your product justice. It is just better to see it in person,” said Jewelry designer Shylo Gjerlaug, of Dawn & Dusk Clay co.

Shannon Stewart launched an online clothing boutique, Soul Sisters Apparel with one of her friends during the heart of the pandemic. But she said holiday markets, like the Jingle Mingle Market, have become a huge boost to her business.

” Since markets have been open to us, we have done about five markets in the past three months and we have done half of our sales volume in the last three months than we have done all of last year. So markets are a huge opportunity for us,”

Supply chain shortages hitting the globe mean many people are turning to local businesses this holiday season and Hatters are no different.Many vendors CHAT News spoke to said they are amazed by the support this Christmas as more people choose local artisans instead of Amazon.

“I would say it has been a hard year for a lot of people, so a lot of people want to support local and get out with their friends, again it is an opportunity,” one shopper said.