Germany has the right idea. The country's popular annual Christmas markets spotlight local artisans and support the purposeful gifting of well-made goods.
Sustainable Vancouver brand Better Basics embodies the same philosophy year-round with a zero-waste model for household products like dish soap, scrub brushes, and personal care items.
To spread the message, along with festive cheer, they are starting a Christmas Market with a line-up of local women-owned businesses.
“We recognize that people want to be intentional with their holiday shopping and many are choosing to support smaller, local businesses instead of big box retailers," says Michelle Lazar, lead organizer of the market, in a press release. "We created the Better Together Holiday Market to make it easy for conscious shoppers to find great products and services from women-owned brands who are up making waves in the Vancouver market and beyond. We’ve curated a line-up of purpose-driven brands to make it easy for locals to shop consciously this holiday.”
The Better Together Holiday Market takes place December 10 and 11 in Strathcona and will consist of wellness, clothing, and accessory brands such as the popular candle company Mala the Brand and the Instagram-famous Blume lattes which people can taste at the latte bar.
Cider from Windfall Cider from North Vancouver will also be served along with snacks from La Bise Bakery.
Better Basics is co-hosting the market with other women-led businesses Flax Home, Flourist, The Garden Strathcona, and Picnics and Poetry located on the same block as the market (825 E Hastings St.).
There will be 24 businesses total at the market including holiday decorations like sustainable wreaths from Bloomiér.
Better Together Holiday Market
When: December 10 - 11, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: 825 E Hastings St, 2nd floor
Cost: Free admission
