This holiday season, we will be turning the Bilston Barn into a local shopping pop-up destination featuring a rotating lineup of craft vendors.

With many of the major craft markets cancelled this year, we want to provide a safe place for our community to support local. Each week beginning November 15 we will feature a rotating selection of local makers, artists, farmers and creative small businesses.

We'll be serving hot drinks, seasonal treats and holiday cheer to create a festive atmosphere for all to enjoy. All public health regulations will be followed to ensure that this series provides a safe alternative to shopping at large retail stores or crowded craft markets.

How it Works

Each vendor will be provided with a table to set up your goods inside the barn. You will not need to be present for the duration of our opening hours. Instead, your products will be sold on consignment and visitors will have the opportunity to select items from multiple tables and checkout in one place, from behind a physical barrier. Vendors are responsible for restocking sold out inventory as needed.

We are offering 80/20 consignment rates, with 80% of the purchase price going to the vendors. Bilston will be responsible for processing payments and paying all associated transaction fees.

There is no fee to participate, however we are asking each vendor to donate an item of approximately $50 value to be given away in a marketing contest during each week you participate. You'll also be asked to share at least one post about the market in your social media feeds, and all are encourage to help promote the shop through word of mouth and any other means you have.

Each vendor will be responsible for working at least one 6 hour volunteer shift during the week you are selling. Your responsibilities may include managing the capacity of the barn, monitoring tables for various vendors, directing traffic/assisting with parking, sanitizing surfaces, and greeting and directing customers to follow safety guidelines.

The pop-up series will run for multiple dates throughout November and December, and a rotating selection of vendors will be featured each week.  Please note, these dates and times are subject to change depending on capacity and interest.

Dates

Week 1: November 15, 11-4pm
Week 2: November 22, 11-4pm
Week 3: November 26-27, 2-6pm & November 28-29, 11-4pm
Week 4: December 3-4, 2-6pm & December 5-6, 11-4pm  
Week 5: December 10-11, 2-6pm & December 12-13, 11-4pm
Week 6: December 17-18, 2-6pm & December 19-20, 11-4pm
Week 7: December 21-24, 11-6pm

Eligibility

We are searching for vendors in a wide range of categories offering handmade, locally sourced or vintage items made or found in BC.

Preference will be given to businesses that do not have a physical retail location, however if space allows we will welcome independent shops selling items that are made locally on Vancouver Island.

We invite smaller scale businesses to apply as a pair. You will be given one table to share between two vendors.

Bilston will provide tables, however each vendor is responsible for creating a unique display of goods. We encourage you to consider adding shelving and props at different heights to provide a compelling visual display, along with price tags and information about your products for customers to read.

Health and Safety

To ensure the safety of all patrons, staff and volunteers, we will follow provincial health guidelines, which are subject to change. To ensure social distancing is possible at all times, we will closely monitor entry and exits for capacity in the barn. We will also provide directional markings, signage, sanitation stations and physical barriers where needed. All patrons, staff and volunteers will be required to wear masks when inside.

Application Deadline

Please submit your application by Saturday October 31st