Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-up Shops Debuts with 15 Small Businesses

Northern Liberties Business Improvement District kicks off the holiday season with the debut of Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-up, starting on Black Friday for two weekends, November 27th-29th and December 3rd-6th, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. This brand-new socially-distanced holiday shopping event will feature 15+ small local businesses and makers from around the Philadelphia region popping up with gifts, decor, fashions, treats and more in eight retail locations along N. 2nd Street. From French Toast Bites, to Christmas trees and ornaments, bridal wear to baguettes, there will be something for everyone on Santa’s holiday shopping list. For extra pop-up magic, A Dash of Magic Events will pop-up both Saturdays for Enchanted in Northern Liberties: Snow Queen Brunch at the Igloos at Germantown Garden Grill with music, song, food, drink and holiday magic for kids of all ages. Additionally, while visiting the District, shoppers are invited to make a day of it in Northern Liberties by enjoying a meal, hot beverage, baked good or Christmas cocktail at one of the District’s dozens of restaurants, bakeries and cafes. The District’s existing favorite retail shops will also be ready with gifts for all ages. For participating Holiday Pop-up Shop locations, look for the festive framed signs and posters. Social distancing and masks are required. Many merchants will also offer additional safety protocols and contactless forms of payments. For a full list of vendors, dates and locations, visit explorenorthernliberties.org.

“Kick-off the holiday shopping season with Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-up Shops starting on Black Friday through the second weekend of December,” Northern Liberties Business Improvement District Executive Director Kristine Kennedy. “We are excited to pair some of the very best small businesses, crafters and makers with our existing restaurants and retail spaces to offer a brand-new and unique way to shop for the holidays. The program will showcase emerging area businesses. The idea is to promote our existing small and local businesses, and to welcome potential new businesses to the neighborhood. It is a win-win for holiday shoppers and visitors who want a socially-distanced and safe way to get their holiday shopping done, while it gives growing businesses an opportunity to elevate their business and explore the idea of opening a brick and mortar location. We have seen quite a few start-ups bubble up in Northern Liberties through this pandemic, and we wanted to support all those amazing ideas and budding entrepreneurs who want a larger platform during the pandemic.”

For the first Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-up, the area around N. 2nd Street, from Girard to Spring Garden St., will be filled with approximately sixteen small businesses, makers, crafters and entrepreneurs who will partner with existing businesses and also landlords for vacant spaces. Between 1:00pm and 6:00pm on the last weekend of November and the first weekend of December, shoppers can stay local and shop small by checking off each and every person on Santa’s wish list.

This is also an opportunity for emerging and well-established entrepreneurs to relocate permanently to Northern Liberties and fill storefronts available for rent. Find vendors indoors and outdoors on the following locations:

700 N. 2nd St. (permanently The 700 Club)
702 N. 2nd St. (formerly The Blind Pig)
709 N. 2nd St. (new construction)
718 N. 2nd St. (formerly Philly Dog School)
806 N. 2nd St. (new construction)
1040 N. 2nd St. Suite #301 (formerly Epic Chiropractic)
215 W. Laurel St. (new construction)

Participating small businesses, makers, crafters and pop-up vendors include:

1) Adorned by Aisha
Pop up tent outside of 718 N. 2nd St
Adornedbyaisha.com
This versatile collection of jewelry, inspired by the vintage looks popularized in the early decades of the 20th century, exudes elegance with a bohemian flair. Fun and feminine, these pieces can be dressed down for a fun night on the town, or dressed up for a classy evening soirée. All pieces are hand-made, with deference to quality. A chic, vintage look at an affordable price. You can find Adorned by Aisha in boutiques nationwide, on this website and at artist markets across the mid-Atlantic region.

2) Anam Cara Bridal, Co.
709 N. 2nd St.
Anamcaraveils.com
Every Anam Cara Bridal veil is created with the finest bridal textiles and trimmings available. We only use the softest and highest quality textiles, silk and satin finishings, and fine Crystals and Pearls to embellish every piece. Each heirloom quality veil is thoughtfully designed to be on-trend while affordable and hand made by exceptionally talented artisans in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We are happy to offer custom design services to brides worldwide.

3) Eva E. Glassworks
806 N. 2nd St.
Evaeglassworks.com
Give something special, make your event memorable, or learn something new. We offer decorations and gifts for events such as mitzvahs, weddings, and corporate parties. Additionally, we create personal gifts for friends or family such as jewelry, bowls, and sculptures.
Learn the art of glassblowing with us or offer a class as a gift.

4) French Toast Bites (Lokal Artisan Foods)
700 N. 2nd St.
Lokalartisanfoods.com
French Toast Bites will change the perception of how and when french toast should be consumed! Our nearly quarter-pound of lightly fried, melt-in-your-mouth artisan french toast bites are hand tossed in "The Only French Toast Seasoning You'll Ever Need,” add optional seasonal toppings and syrups. Vegan options available.

5) Girl Holding a Pen
215 W. Laurel St.
girlholdingapen.com
Designing and personalizing are the passion and cornerstone of Girl Holding a Pen. Girl Holding a Pen provides custom calligraphy products, including holiday ornaments, to help you express you, perfect for the holidays or any other occasion.

6) Gluten Lab
702 N. 2nd St.
instagram.com/glutenlab
Rustic breads, pasta and different baked goods, all made by hand, incorporating local and seasonal ingredients. Emerging from a home kitchen based enterprise, gluten lab donates to businesses and families in need.

7) Jaya Kava
709 N. 2nd St. and 1040 N. 2nd St. #301
instagram.com/jayakava
Kava Kava is a beverage brewed from the resilient roots of a volcanic plant: soothing your nervous system to relieve mild-moderate tension, allowing for mental and physical relaxation, mood uplift, and feelings of euphoria.

8) Jeffy's Jams
718 N. 2nd St.
jeffysjams.com
Jeffy's Jams is a Philly based Jammery, making all natural fruit jams with no added sugars. Perfect for toast, desserts, and to give as gifts! Flavors include blueberry, strawberry, and raspberry.You can find Jeffy's Jams doing free, contact-less delivery to the Philadelphia community every Wednesday. Orders via Instagram, @Jeffysjams

9) Kensington Food Company
806 N. 2nd St.
Kensingtonfood.com
Kensington Food Company is a Local Veteran Owned Gourmet Food Producer specializing in Award Winning Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Truffle Products, Relishes and much more. With an in-house certified Olive Oil Sommelier and Certified Balsamic Analyst, Kensington Food Company has gained popularity with it's unique Infusions like Black Garlic Sauce, Spicy Parmesan Oil and tons of others.

10) Kirra’s Cakes and Beyond
702 N. 2nd St.
instagram.com/shakirra329cakes
Kirra's Cakes and Beyond is a home based business offering delicious and beautiful baked goods for any occasion. From cookies to artistic cakes, Kirra customizes according to a theme, hobby or personality. Her creations are as delightful to see as they are luscious to eat.

11) Kismet Bagels
1040 N. 2nd St., Suite #301
Kismetbagels.com
Owned by a husband and wife duo, Kismet Bagels is a business that grew from a home kitchen into an established business during the summer of 2020. These delicious hand rolled bagels are made with love in Philly. A portion of all sales go to local charities.

12) Love City Brewing Company
709 N. 2nd St.
Lovecitybrewing.com
Love City Brewing offers the best local beers in a relaxed atmosphere. They believe that beer should be approachable, and so should the places we drink it. Love City is open 7 days per week for takeout and indoor & outdoor seating. They also offer FREE home delivery within Philadelphia, and statewide shipping

13) OBASH Co.
718 N. 2nd St.
Theselbysignature.com
Derwood Shelby, host of The Shelby Signature Food Show, has travelled the world searching (and finding) inspiration for his multicultural, inclusive cuisine. For our Holiday Pop Up, Shelby will bring spices and olive oils. Because he's such a versatile entrepreneur, he will also be selling Christmas trees!

14) SBC Naturals
scbnaturals.com
215 W. Laurel St.
SCB Naturals believes in producing great natural products for the entire family without compromising them with chemicals. We produce natural soaps, butters, lotions and more with ingredients for eczema, psoriasis, anti-aging, moisture, nourishment, skin discolorations, itching, blotchiness, redness and dryness.

15) TrinhEats LLC
718 N. 2nd St.
instagram.com/trinheatss
TrinhEats is a small batch food product company that focuses on Asian Condiments. The Chef and Owner Jacob Trinh is a Johnson & Wales Alumni and former cook at Vernick Fish at the Four Seasons in the Comcast Technology Center. He opened TrinhEats to promote and expand his products and raise ideas for home cooks and chefs who found themselves cooking more at home due to COVID. Trinh strives to create amazing and unique products catered for home cooks, chefs, and foodies to expand their palates outside of the norm.

Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-up Shops is part of the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District’s overall mission to promote and provide support for businesses in the District’s boundaries, while drawing attention and recruiting to fill vacant spaces.

Kennedy said, “Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-up was designed to kick-off the holiday retail season in a brand-new way during the pandemic. We have amazing restaurants and retailers. We want to also highlight and spotlight the spaces available in our neighborhood and encourage new businesses to want to become part of our diverse and ever evolving community here. This event is for our neighbors and shoppers, for our current businesses, and for future tenants and shops that want to call Northern Liberties their home. Come out and celebrate the 2020 holidays with us in Northern Liberties!”

EXTRA HOLIDAY POP-UP MAGIC

During the Holiday Pop-up Shops, two Northern Liberties businesses are partnering together for a special family-friendly holiday experience on both Saturdays. A Dash of Magic Events will pop-up at Germantown Garden Grill (1029 Germantown Ave) for the first-ever Enchanted in Northern Liberties: Snow Queen Brunch at the Igloos. Families are invited to get frozen at the Igloos during this socially-distanced magical dining experience which will include 90 minutes at a private, exclusive and heated igloo just for you and your immediate family members. Get ready to enjoy a safe and socially-distanced photo opportunity, songs from the princesses story and grand entrance. Each reservation will also receive a one on one Snow Queen visit per each Igloo, a souvenir, and frozen themed activity sheets. Enchanted in Northern Liberties: Snow Queen Brunch at the Igloos will take place on Saturday, November 28th and on Saturday, December 5th, with seatings each day at 11:00am and 1:00pm. Tickets are $15.00 per person for Igloo seating and $10.00 per person for outdoor seating without the Igloo. All children and adults above the age of two must wear a mask to and from their dining table. Costumes for the little ones are encouraged but not required. Tickets are on sale at www.germantowngarden.com.

CONTACT AND MORE INFO

For more information about this event, restaurants and retail shops in the neighborhood, and available rental spaces, visit explorenorthernliberties.org.

Businesses interested in seeing open spaces in the Northern Liberties should contact the BID’s Retail Recruiter, Pam Simpson at pam.simpson@explorenorthernliberties.org

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS

All vendors will be spaced out in their respective venues, so there is ample social distancing. Capacity limits for each venue will be in line with the City's guidance and clearly posted at the entrance of each space. Signage will also be posted requiring masks, social distancing, and hand sanitizing. Masks will be required to enter each space. Hand sanitizer and surgical masks will be made available. High touch surfaces will be wiped down regularly. Many vendors will offer contactless methods of payment. Vendors will also institute any additional safety protocols as they feel comfortable.

ABOUT NORTHERN LIBERTIES BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

Northern Liberties Business Improvement District was formed in 2018 to provide supplements to the municipal services of the City of Philadelphia; maintain a safe, clean and vibrant commercial district for the benefit of the residents, users, and owners within the district, and to citizens of Philadelphia and the region; to create opportunities for the business and residential communities to come together to make improvements to the district; and develop and implement programs and services that ensure that Northern Liberties continues to be a desirable place to live, work, shop, invest and visit. For more information, see explorenorthernliberties.org.