Local vendors boost community spirit with San Jose holiday pop-up market

In San Jose, California, local vendors are participating in a lavish holiday pop-up event designed to coincide with Small Business Saturday. This nine-day market, taking place in the Willow Glen neighborhood, showcases a variety of local products, encouraging residents to shop small and support local businesses. Vendors like Steve Demkowski, who sells honey from Happy Hollow Zoo, are present, promoting not only their goods but also the causes they support, such as wildlife conservation efforts. As many small business owners face challenges with overhead costs, such as long-term leases, pop-ups offer a cost-effective way to engage with customers without the financial burden of maintaining a permanent storefront. The inaugural day of this pop-up saw significant traffic from residents eager to begin their holiday shopping and discover unique gifts. Vendors highlighted the nostalgic value these markets bring to the community, with shoppers sharing their joyful experiences and childhood memories tied to the local businesses. Carole Demkowski, who used to operate a vintage antique store for 16 years, expressed the necessity for vendors to adapt and innovate to remain competitive in a rapidly changing retail environment. This event is not just about sales but also community building and supporting one another. Vendors and residents alike emphasized the communal spirit fostered by such initiatives, where creativity and collaboration thrive. Mayor Matt Mahan also recognized the diversity and vibrancy of San Jose's local business scene, hinting at the importance of these pop-up events for cultural expression and community engagement during the holiday season.