Maritime craft sellers look to local market as postal strike continues
Even without mail service, you can still find holiday presents, organizer says
The Holly Jolly Holiday Market in Fredericton has been a favourite for artisans from across the Maritimes, but it's taking on extra importance this year.
As the Canada Post strike continues, among those impacted are artisans who sell their wares on online shopping sites like Etsy.
Many of them will converge on the market in Fredericton this weekend instead, with the hope of making back some of the business they've lost without the postal service.
Kate Hunter, the market's organizer, said there are more than a hundred vendors planning to sell at this year's fourth annual event.
"I was speaking with a vendor the other day, and she sells Christmas cards. So not only is she worried about, you know, people getting their Christmas cards in the mail, she's worried about people not buying Christmas cards to put in the mail," Hunter said.
While some sellers have taken to alternative carriers, shopping local is a great way to support the sellers, she said.
"So we are really hoping that this weekend is big for people because the strike is affecting so many people, so much."
About 55,000 postal workers walked off the job last week, shutting down Canada Post mail service across the country, after their union, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, and the Crown corporation were unable to reach an agreement.
The market will run Nov. 22 and 23 at the Currie Center at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.
The market does a lot of social media advertising beforehand, Hunter said, and sellers are carrying a wide variety of items.
"We have so much talent here and ... what you'll find different about this market is we have professional crafters, we have the Craft New Brunswick members, and we also have handmade sellers who have really made a go with their business and are just thriving."
Hunter highlighted market members who create wooden cutting boards, quilts and ceramics as some that especially stand out.
"So it's kind of something for everyone."
With files from Chad Ingraham