By Pam Creech
Contributing Writer
The Landfall Clubhouse will fill with handbags, gourmet sweets and other gift able merchandise during the Landfall Foundation Holiday Marketplace Dec. 2. Proceeds will benefit the Landfall Foundation, which supports 72 nonprofit organizations in the Wilmington region.
The marketplace is a way for people to support local vendors and get their holiday shopping done, said Jessica Schreiber, the event’s co-chair.
“It’s casual attire and open to the public,” she said. “Your $20 is going toward a good cause. It’s going to make our community better.”
More than 30 vendors will have tables at this year’s marketplace.
“A lot are going to be local stores. We have everything from men’s and women’s clothing to jewelry,” Schreiber said. “We have vendors who bring ornaments or holiday-themed merchandise.”
Ali Talbert, Gentleman’s Corner, It Girl Couture and Wrightsville Red are among the apparel vendors.
Talbert, a Wilmington-based designer, works with artisans in Ecuador to produce leather handbags for men and women, woven ponchos and hand-crafted jewelry, among other novelties. The Ecuadorian influence can be seen in her jewelry, which incorporates large geometric shapes and bold colors. Talbert travels to Ecuador regularly to maintain close relationships with local business owners.
Home décor vendors include Big Sky Design, Blue Hand Home, Coastal Crate, Coral Anchor, Crabby Chic, Kelly Kottage and Manifest Design. Orchid Hothouse will bring exotic flowers. Shoppers craving sweet treats may try Sealed with a Kiss toffee or Tender Lovin’ Crunch’s cookies. Stampin’ Up will bring an array of scrapbooking materials. Sharon Chadwick of Best of Everything shopping mall in Little River, S.C., will offer a variety of gifts for women.
Chadwick looks forward to returning to the marketplace and said she tries to offer what is trendy. This year, she will bring women’s costume jewelry and handbags.
“Last year, I was a vendor, but I was a volunteer before that,” she said.
Chadwick was pleased with last year’s turn out, and hopes this year will be even more successful.
“It was fabulous. The crowds were wonderful. … We would like for everyone to come out and support the event because the money’s going right back into the community,” she said.
The 2013 holiday marketplace hosted more than 500 shoppers and raised more than $300,000. Schreiber anticipates this year’s event will be even more successful.
“Each year, it has grown,” she said.
Shoppers may enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and access to a cash bar.
“We’ll have a signature, holiday-inspired drink,” Schreiber said.
The holiday marketplace takes place from 4-8 p.m. and tickets are $20. Gift prices start at $10. Tickets can be purchased at
www.landfallfoundation.org/
marketplace.html
