The holidays are coming up quickly, and this year is majorly important for many small businesses and independent craft makers. Shoppers need to shop, and makers need to make, so Northern Liberties Business Improvement District has decided to merge both needs to provide Philadelphians a way to find one-of-a-kind gifts and creatives a way to still create amidst a pandemic.
This brand-new socially-distanced holiday shopping event will feature 15+ small local businesses and makers from around the Philadelphia region popping up with gifts, decor, fashions, treats and more in eight retail locations along N. 2nd Street, and will kick off on Black Friday for two weekends: Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 3-6, from 1 to 6 p.m.
“Kick-off the holiday shopping season with Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-up Shops starting on Black Friday through the second weekend of December,” says Northern Liberties Business Improvement District Executive Director Kristine Kennedy in a statement. “We are excited to pair some of the very best small businesses, crafters and makers with our existing restaurants and retail spaces to offer a brand-new and unique way to shop for the holidays.
“The program will showcase emerging area businesses. The idea is to promote our existing small and local businesses, and to welcome potential new businesses to the neighborhood,” Kennedy continues. “It is a win-win for holiday shoppers and visitors who want a socially-distanced and safe way to get their holiday shopping done, while it gives growing businesses an opportunity to elevate their business and explore the idea of opening a brick and mortar location. We have seen quite a few start-ups bubble up in Northern Liberties through this pandemic, and we wanted to support all those amazing ideas and budding entrepreneurs who want a larger platform during the pandemic.”
As of now, 16 small businesses will be participating, and all owners have implemented ways to still employ social distancing measures and even contactless payment to help make the experience as safe as it is fun. From Girard Avenue to Spring Garden Street, many makers have partnered with landlords to occupy vacant spaces for the two-weekend event. The pop-up offers a way for shoppers to stay local and support the City of Brotherly Love’s economic needs, something that has been a hot topic of conversation since the city recently announced strict guidelines and rules to slow the outbreak of COVID-19. This is also an opportunity for emerging and well-established entrepreneurs to relocate permanently to Northern Liberties and fill storefronts available for rent.
Participating vendors include Adorned by Aisha featuring a versatile collection of jewelry, Anam Cara Bridal Co., Eva E. Glassworks, French Toast Bites by Lokal Artisan Foods (this particular brand also just came out with their own beer), Girl Holding a Pen featuring custom calligraphy products, Gluten Lab offering handmade and locally sourced pasta and bread products, Jaya Kava (a beverage brewed from the resilient roots of a volcanic plant to serve a plethora of different health needs), Jeffy’s Jams and their all natural fruit jams with no added sugars, Kensington Food Company, Kirra’s Cakes and Beyond, Kismet Bagels, Love City Brewing Company, OBASH Co. featuring spices and olive oils from around the world, SBC Naturals, TrinhEats LLC and more.
“Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-up was designed to kick-off the holiday retail season in a brand-new way during the pandemic. We have amazing restaurants and retailers. We want to also highlight and spotlight the spaces available in our neighborhood and encourage new businesses to want to become part of our diverse and ever evolving community here. This event is for our neighbors and shoppers, for our current businesses, and for future tenants and shops that want to call Northern Liberties their home. Come out and celebrate the 2020 holidays with us in Northern Liberties,” continues Kennedy in her statement.
That’s not all Northern Liberties is offering this holiday season—there are also a few extra spirited activities that shoppers and all Philadelphians can join in on.
According to a release, during the Holiday Pop-up Shops, two Northern Liberties businesses are partnering together for a special family-friendly holiday experience on both Saturdays. A Dash of Magic Events will pop-up at Germantown Garden Grill for the first-ever Enchanted in Northern Liberties: Snow Queen Brunch at the Igloos. Families are invited to get frozen at the Igloos during this socially-distanced dining experience, which will include 90 minutes at a private, exclusive and heated igloo just for you and your immediate family members. Each reservation will also receive a one-on-one Snow Queen visit per each Igloo, a souvenir, and frozen themed activity sheets. Enchanted in Northern Liberties: Snow Queen Brunch at the Igloos will take place on Saturday, Nov. 28 and on Saturday, Dec. 5, with seatings each day at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person for Igloo seating and $10 per person for outdoor seating without the Igloo. Tickets are on sale at germantowngarden.com.
For more information on all of the happenings in Northern Liberties visit explorenorthernliberties.org
