The Grand Central Holiday Fair is one of the biggest and most exciting holiday markets in New York City. I look forward to Opening Day every year to see who is there and what all the booth boutiques look like. But why am I writing about a holiday market in March?
It may interest you to know that planning for the market starts 8 months in advance, or, to be more specific, on March 12th.
This year, the Holiday Fair aims to feature exclusively products that are handmade in the US, with a special focus on artisans and designers from the New York City area. I had the opportunity to learn more about the 2013 fair last week from Laura Blaustein, Assistant General Manager of Grand Central Terminal. This year is Grand Central Terminal’s 100th birthday, and Laura told me that the holiday events are going to be extra special as a tribute to this iconic building.
The holiday fair merchandising consultants are holding an Open Casting Call on March 12th and 13th for artisans to present their products and designs for consideration. This fair is one of the most competitive events of the year in the market community, and it represents a very exciting business opportunity for design entrepreneurs. Over 1 million commuters and tourists pass through Grand Central during the Holiday Fair, which is the longest-running indoor holiday market in the city
According to the press release, “Artisans in recent GCT fairs not only have sold high volumes of product, but also have landed high-profile wholesale accounts with major retailers, sold pieces to museums, broadened their retail client bases, and have been profiled on local and national TV.”
The fair will feature designers and makers of artwork, clothing for all ages, accessories, body products and home goods. Products that make good gifts specifically for men are also of interest. The organizers will not be evaluating food products at this particular event.
According to Ms. Blaustein, the organizers seek to create a strong sense of community among all the vendors in the holiday fair, which is scheduled to run from November 18 – December 24, 2013. “It is a grueling five weeks, but we want to make it is as pleasant an experience for our vendors as possible.”
So if you are an artisan entrepreneur who is up for an exciting, challenging and rewarding holiday season, then do not miss this opportunity!
When: March 12 and 13, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early arrivers are most likely to be reviewed. Due to potential high-volume attendance, Holiday Fair personnel cannot guarantee artisans will be seen.
Where: Grand Central Terminal, 89 East 42nd Street, New York, NY Retail space in the Shuttle Passageway across from the Rite Aid drugstore.
Info: The Grand Central Holiday Fair takes over the Terminal’s historic Vanderbilt Hall each holiday season with 76 booths of art, children’s clothing, accessories, handbags, home goods, men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry, and bath and body products. Since its inception in 1993, the Holiday Fair has been a must-shop destination during the holiday season, and the longest-running indoor holiday market in New York City. The 2013 Holiday Fair begins Nov. 18, 2013 and runs for five weeks until Dec. 24, 2013.
More Info: info@grandcentralterminal.com
Photo of the Grand Central Terminal Centennial Booth at the 2012 Holiday Fair provided by Grand Central Terminal