North Charleston, South Carolina. The 27th annual Holiday Market, which featured vendors and family-friendly holiday activities, finished on Sunday at the North Charleston Convention Center.
The entire holiday experience included over 200 booths where you could purchase for food, clothes, and art all in one location.
“These are extremely hardworking folks. They’re also extremely skilled and creative, and I believe this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the low country to buy with them,” said Carly Gilmore, Director of Marketing at Gilmore Shows.
“It has been a terrific year. It’s always a wonderful show, with a great audience. We have locals who visit us every year, and tourists like us because they can take a piece of Charleston home with them,” Pluff Mud Apparel owner Kelly Clayton explained.
“We have had a large attendance every day. I get a lot of repeat customers. They knew me from Summerville. Deeann Farrell, proprietor of Fancy Trimmins, said, “I’ve been doing this show since it first started in Charleston.”
Mr. and Mrs. Claus were also present, listening to Christmas greetings from visitors.
“Seeing the kids come in and how delighted they are. We have an enormous balloon tree. It’s around 40 feet tall and we have Santa here. “So they really enjoy coming in and seeing that,” Gilmore explained.
Vendors also sold decorations and gift items as the holiday season approached, allowing local businesses to display their products to the community.
“There are larger franchised companies that do it. But the difference is that this is mine, and this is my mother’s. Mama’s Chocolate co-owner said, “We’re putting our heart and soul into it.” Jonathan Johnson stated.
“Shopping small is really crucial in today’s economy. You know, we rely on it. I mean, we’re a business that is very busy all year, but this time of year, when there are so many people out buying gifts, we really appreciate folks thinking about the small business,” Farrell explained.
Vendors stated that creating ties with their community at events such as the Holiday Market is critical for business year-round.
“It’s a terrific way to meet people in South Carolina and beyond because people from all over the country come to events like this, and it’s really helped us grow our online business to the point where we ship to every state in the country. Jessica Lowery, the proprietor of The Power of Elderberries, attributed this to attending numerous markets and events.
While the Holiday Market has ended for the year, vendors encourage shoppers to spend locally this holiday season.
