Welcome to Esther and Elsa. We're glad you're here and excited to help you build your next retail project.
Holiday cheer around every corner in South End.
Shop Small Saturdays has been a South End tradition for 10 years because shopping small also means supporting a big dream.
Shop Small Saturday kicks off the holiday season in South End on November 25th. This one day event brings out thousands of Charlotteans and residents from surrounding towns with a focus of shopping small.
This event is underwritten by South End and sponsored by Lowe’s Home Improvement.
All potential vendors must join the vendor email list to receive applications.
2023 calendar
Saturday, November 25th
attendee FAQ ✳
What is it?
Shop Small Saturday’s is South End’s iteration of Small Business Saturday. It kicks off on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and has historically run for two more Saturdays in December.
There are three main hubs of SSS including Camden Road, The Winnifred (planned by Bop Around the Block), and Atherton (planned by South End Farmers’ Market. We plan and manage the portion that spans four blocks of Camden Road.
WHERE IS Shop Small Saturdays LOCATED AND WHAT TIME IS IT?
There are two hubs at Atherton and The Winnifred, in addition to the four blocks of Camden Road that E&E plans. Those blocks go from Tremont Avenue to Park Avenue.
IS THERE AN ENTRY FEE?
There is no entry fee!
ARE DOGS ALLOWED?
Yes! We're very dog-friendly, but we do ask that you keep in mind the heat. We’ll have dog bowls out for your pups with fresh water. Please bring doggie waste bags to clean up after your dog.
what’s the best way to get to you?
Travel by light rail. The LYNX Blue Line has several South End stops. Get off at East/West Blvd. Station and step right into Camden Commons!
Travel by bike. Rent a JoyRides e-assist bike and travel by Rail Trail.
Travel by car. Atherton has limited free parking for customers. Street parking along Camden Road will be limited. Pay to park at the garages at 100 W Worthington, the Design Center, the Square, or 1616 Camden. See more parking options using the South End Parking Guide.
HOW MANY VENDORS SETUP AT THE MARKET?
There are over 150 vendors set up along Camden Road with more to be found at Atherton and The Winnifred.
what can I expect?
SHOPPING. This day is meant for putting your dollars directly into small businesses.
who can we thank for making this happen?
This event is sponsored by Lowe’s Home Improvement.
Kyo H Nam for South End
vendor FAQ ✳
WHAT ARE THE DATES AND TIME IS THE EVENT?
This event happens on a series of three Saturdays after Thanksgiving.
WHAT TYPE OF VENDORS DO YOU LOOK FOR?
Our marketplace focuses on small businesses offering an innovative and forward-thinking product. It must be a tangible good.
We make an exception for small businesses with an address in South End.
DO I NEED A NC SALES AND USE TAX ID TO PARTICPATE?
Yes, you must supply the above to participate and we collect it on the application. Visit here, to learn more.
HOW MUCH IS A BOOTH?
Booth spaces range from $225 for a single 10x10’ space to $510 for a double space.
IS THE VENDOR FEE REFUNDABLE?
Your vendor fee is non-refundable. If we host a market and you decide not to participate for any reason, your fee cannot be returned or credited towards another event. If we cancel a market due to safety issues with the weather, we will hold a non-refundable administrator fee and push forward the other portion to a future market.
WHAT IS PROVIDED?
We provide the overall event, promotion, and foot traffic. You are provided a 10x10’ space to activate.
what equipment is required?
Vendors are required to have a white or professionally branded vertical leg tent (no slanted legs) and 25 lbs of weight attached each leg of the tent.
What is the expected foot traffic?
We do not promise a certain amount of attendees.
WHEN DO APPLICATIONS COME OUT?
Applications come out in August (tentative). All three dates will be housed on one application. Three months prior to an event date, the option to apply will be removed from the application and will subsequently be closed.
HOW DOES THE WAITING LIST WORK?
We generally have an average of 30 businesses on our waiting list for each market. The waiting list is notified if there is a space for them a week after acceptances go out and have two days to pay the fee.
HOW ARE VENDORS CHOSEN FOR A MARKET?
The first vendors accepted are the ones that best fit our brand and what attendees are looking for. See Vendor Applications for more information on our selection process.
DO I HAVE TO BE A REGISTERED BUSINESS WITHIN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA?
Vendors are required to do what they need to to legally sell in the state of North Carolina. Please visit www.nc.gov for more information.
DO I NEED TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?
Yes, we require our our vendors to accept credit cards or a digital payment.
IS THERE WIFI OR ELECTRICITY FOR VENDORS?
Electricity and wifi are unavailable.