As Christmas approaches, Vancouver’s Christmas markets are busier than ever.
Located in Jack Poole Plaza, the market has more than 90 stalls, most of them local entrepreneurs.
Long lines dot the market, filled with people waiting patiently for specialties like the Transylvanian Chimney Cake, served hot and fluffy with cinnamon and brown sugar.
“It’s really nice,” said one customer.
Rows of booths feature handmade gifts, including bow ties and harnesses from Pucci Cime Pet Couture, including ones for your dog.
“This is an environment for artisans, and people are bringing their own products here, making it an incredible attraction not just for Vancouver but for all the tourists who come here.” It’s great to send out and let people know about the quality,” said Ahu Entesarian, founder of Puccisime Pet Couture.
The market helps merchants at a time when consumer spending is low. Most Canadians don’t plan to overspend this December, according to a new survey from Co. Poll. According to the survey, 47% of people don’t plan to spend more than $500 on gifts, food, and decorations this holiday season.
“We’re experiencing customer hesitation, some uncertainty, not knowing what’s going to happen in 2024,” said Jackie Cassandi, owner of Cassandi Gift Shop.
Benedikt Fleischhacker, marketing manager for the Vancouver Christmas Market, said the weekly market attracts an average of 4,000 to 6,000 patrons. He says that number doubles over the weekend.
“People come to us to eat and buy gifts because everything is homemade or handmade and you can’t find it on Amazon,” Fleischhacker said. “It’s something very unique for our market.”
Cassandi has a booth at the market. Although her sales have slowed, she says she is proud of her fair trade products.
“We want to ensure that all the artisans we work with are paid a fair wage. They set the prices and everything we do is environmentally friendly and ethical. sourced in the United States, and we do the best we can.”
Cassandi also creates products that can be used over and over again, such as refillable candles in her shop.
“You can take it home as many times as you like, and when you’re done with it, you can turn it into a planter,” she said. “So we make sure you’re not actually throwing things away.”
Sunday is the last day of Vancouver’s Christmas market.