HOLLAND, Ohio —
The holiday shopping season is here and as people get ready to head to the stores, there's a special pop-up shop of local vendors at Spring Meadows Shopping Center.
The holiday pop-up shop, located at 6638 Centers Drive in Holland, is in the same plaza as multiple big chain stores but filled with 20 northwest Ohio small business vendors.
"If someone's going to a T.J. Maxx or Target and see this, they can come over here," pop-up shop organizer Andrew Zepeda said. "It's almost opening these crafters up to new audiences."
The idea was put into motion only two weeks ago when Zepeda was driving in the area.
"Man, why is it all national chains?" Zepeda said. "There's really no local representation in this mall."
After getting the right permits, Zepeda was able to get the store up and running, finding 20 vendors on Facebook. Vendors like Shawn Sirkin, the owner of Health 4 U.
Sirkin had started her business selling natural soaps and candles in 2017 when she was diagnosed with cancer. Her diagnosis caused sales to be put on the back burner.
"This is my first attempt since I was diagnosed because I really was not feeling well for a long time," Sirkin said. "I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to do it, but I'm really excited about it. I'm really glad to be here."
Sirkin is joined by others selling jewelry, clothes, crafts and more.
The store is open now until Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., giving the vendors 70 hours of retail time.
Zepeda said he understands the temptation people may have to look for the best deals at chain stores to keep costs down this holiday season but urges people to consider local options.
He said when vendors get sales, they will be likely to spend money locally.
"It really stays in this community," Zepeda said.
While the store is set to last until Dec. 24, if all goes well, Zepeda said he hopes this store can be more than just a pop-up for the holidays.