Its a fact that this holiyay season will look a whole lot different. Even though 2020 has been pretty hard on a lot of small businesses and particularly IRL (in real life) experiences, our mission hasn't changed.
To connect + inspire the local creative community and to give you, our shoppers, a platform to explore the brands.
Holiyay is our biggest market of the year (and the most successful one for our makers), so we knew we had to come up with something cool + different. A one weekend virtual market didn't feel like enough, and we know that makers are running on empty from how they have had to pivot to doing business in 2020.
Holiyay virtual craft market runs from November 26th to December 24th. All the goods from our vendors will be on one easy-to-shop site and available for local same day delivery or ship across Canada.
We will have a series of workshops, live music, virtual santa photobooth, Ottawa gift guides + food partners. Its not just about shopping, but exploring local creative culture.
Covid isn't stopping us from discovering brand spanking new local makers and creating space for you connect with them! We have 30% new brands that have either started their businesses in 2020, or are new to our markets.
We are proud to consistently make space for emerging brands, along with local Ottawa established favorites!
Holiyay 2020 is making shopping local Ottawa goods EASY. We have partnered with local courier service Gopherit to offer front door delivery. Order by the cutoff time (TBD)- get it delivered same day. And if you miss the cutoff date it will be delivered the next day!
Shop makers that you would typically find at our IRL markets, but in one fun and easy to shop website. Flat rate delivery in Ottawa.
Listen, we know you're busy. And we know that this year is having its ups and downs. Send gifts right to the recipient! Make the order on our website, and select a different shipping address- and the gift can be sent right to them. Your company boss, your daughter's dance coach, your favourite aunt... send the local love.
We made the decision to go completely virtual this summer, and we are SO glad we did. Shop your local goods online + have contactless delivery right to your door. Get your coziest leggings on, make a big ol drink and get your shopping done without leaving your sofa!
Every vendor will have a collection on our website, or you can shop by category.
We know that you're here because you're passionate about local. About supporting Ottawa makers + lifting up our creative economy in tough times. We surveyed our makers: 82% have experienced stress and anxiety, and 78% are worried about the holiday season.
87% of our makers are exhausted by the increase in workload from doing business virtually (learning new skills, upgrading websites, shipping logistics...). This virtual craft market is designed so that makers can do what they do best. Make! We're taking care of the shipping and logistics for them.
Don't forget to send your mama a gift. But that's not what we're talking about! Mother Earth has been hurting, and the way we shop needs to shift. Many of our makers are conscious about the packaging that they use (for making their goods + also delivering). We don't use plastic bags to deliver your order (unless its necessary) and we encourage you to be conscious about the brands you are shopping from and their policies around waste and packaging.
Its time to slow down and be conscious consumers.