Take your brand to new heights at Canada’s most visited outdoor holiday market
Are you a talented and innovative artisan, maker, crafter, or a creator of delicious food looking for a unique opportunity to showcase your products at one of Canada’s most enchanting winter destinations?
Look no further! The Distillery Historic District is looking for premier merchants to be a part of The Distillery Winter Village.
Wednesday, November 13 - Sunday, January 5, 2025
Vendor Applications are now closed for this year.
Why you should apply:
- The Distillery Winter Village attracts over 800,000 visitors from near and far, all seeking an unforgettable holiday experience.
- With its picturesque setting, cobblestone streets, charming Victorian-era buildings, festive decorations and breathtaking 50-foot Christmas tree, your cabin will be nestled amongst a winter wonderland.
- We employ a comprehensive promotional strategy to ensure maximum exposure for The Distillery Winter Village and its vendors that includes:
- Several strategic news, TV, radio, and online media moments throughout the six and a half week event
- Social media support and amplification
- Email newsletters
- Radio ads
- Newspaper ads
- Leveraging our official event sponsors and key partner networks to further amplify messaging
Just look at our numbers:
- Over 800,000 annual visitors from around the world
- 2.6 billion audience reach through media relations (we garnered media coverage in Toronto, across all of Canada, the U.S., and globally!)
- 120,000 followers on social media with a highly engaged base
- 65,000 subscribership to our newsletter
- A specially designed, heated wood cabin, in a variety of sizes, set up on our iconic cobblestone streets within Canada’s best attended outdoor holiday market.
- A merchant terminal will be provided; you simply need to bring product, staff, decor and warm socks.
- Featured on our social channels and newsletter.
- PR opportunities, when applicable, prior to and during the event.
- Exhibitor badges for you and your staff.
- Complimentary tickets to offer to your loyal customer base. (limited)
- Direct access to our events team who can help you prepare.
- Access to an enviable customer base at one of Canada’s most iconic sites (with our 85+ year-round local shops, restaurants and cafés, galleries, and theatres, The Distillery District attracts more than 2 million shoppers, diners and tourists a year from around the world).
- Access to a 20 amp electrical outlet; additional electrical service is available for a fee.
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Approved vendors must commit to attending and staffing your booth for the entire duration of the event, November 13 - January 5, 2025 (snow, rain, cold, or shine) and be able to supply adequate inventory. Hours of operation are:
- Monday - Thursday, noon - 9PM
- Fridays and Saturdays noon - 10PM
- Sundays noon to 9PM
- Open Christmas Eve until 6PM
- Closed Christmas Day.
- Open New Year’s Eve until midnight.
- Approved vendors shall conduct its operations in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Vendors shall be responsible for obtaining any required municipal, or regulatory permits related to its operations. Food vendors must adhere to Toronto Public Health guidelines for cleanliness and proper sanitation. All vendors will be inspected by site management and/or municipal regulators.
- Approved vendors must offer a unique shopping experience for the holiday market, and not sell products that directly compete with our full-time retailers at The Distillery Historic District.
- Approved vendors must carry their own liability insurance ($5 million), as they will not be covered by The Distillery Historic District’s insurance. Proof of valid insurance is required and must be provided in advance to site management
- The Distillery Winter Village is a cashless event. All sales must be made through the provided merchant services terminal. These sales will be deposited into The Distillery Winter Village account. A portion of vendor sales (15% from general retail and 25% from food, plus a 3% processing fee) will be collected and retained as rent (a minimum of $12,000 per general retail vendor and $15,000 per food vendor). The remainder of sales will be paid to the vendor on a weekly basis.
- Approved vendors will be responsible for their own expenses including but not limited to: customized booth signage, décor, staffing, propane, cleaning, kitchen equipment, liability insurance, parking, and transportation.
- Approved vendors agree to support the promotion of their participation as a vendor at The Distillery Winter Village via word of mouth and social media or other promotional/marketing means. As we must each do our part to ensure success of the event, your digital presence will be considered in our selection process.
- What are the dates and duration of The Distillery Winter Village? Nov 13 2024 - Jan 5, 2025
- What kind of products or vendors are you looking for specifically? Unique, hand crafted, luxury, one of a kind
- What is the cost of participating as a vendor? % rent - 15% + 3% for retail vendors or 25% + 3% for food vendors
- How much space will vendors have for their booths or cabins? The Distillery Winter Village assigns you either a 8’ x 10’ or a 6’ x 10’ cabin
- Are there any restrictions on the types of products that can be sold? All products must be approved by The Distillery Winter Village. No products can compete with existing year-round tenants. (i.e. no candles will be permitted)
- Will electricity and other utilities be provided to vendors? Basic power is included. Additional power can be purchased.
- Is there a requirement for vendors to have liability insurance? Yes $5M minimum.
- What is the expected foot traffic and estimated number of visitors? 800,000 visitors
- Can vendors customize their booth or cabin to reflect their brand? Yes, but it must be approved by The Distillery Winter Village management.
- Are there any additional marketing or promotional opportunities available to vendors? Some additional marketing opportunities exist and our media partner can provide further details.
- Will there be any special events or activities during The Distillery Winter Village that vendors can participate in? Carolling, Santa, potential media and influencer interviews
- Are there any specific rules or regulations that vendors need to follow? All municipal and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to, Toronto Public Health
- What are the payment terms and deadlines for participating vendors? See above
- Will vendors have access to storage facilities or areas for restocking their inventory? No
- Are there any specific load-in and load-out procedures or requirements? Yes, successful applicants will receive all pertinent load-in and load-out information.
Application deadline: September 15, 2024
Have questions? Drop us a line: wintervillage@thedistillerydistrict.com