Hundreds of vendors and shoppers mingled together over the weekend at the seventh annual Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Taking place in a large warehouse, it is one of the borough's biggest holiday markets, drawing over 200 vendors from around Brooklyn and beyond. Hundreds of shoppers from all over the city came to shop for themselves and find gifts for others from the borough's small businesses and local artisans.
"Online shopping is easy, but distant and impersonal," said John Wilde of Park Slope. "Here, there is eye to eye contact. You can touch the items."
Interacting with shoppers is one of the reasons Wallabout Wonderland's vendors enjoy taking part in markets. Crown Heights resident Cae Byng, who has been running her soap business Soap Studio on Fifth for nearly 20 years, said it helps the customers know who is behind the products.
"I meet people and talk to them about the products, and they give their feedback right away," Byng said.
Painter Jessica Dixon also mentioned the benefits of interacting with potential buyers. "More will see my work and give feedback. Everyone is very friendly and uplifting."
Tam Thompson of Jamaica, Queens returned for the second time to sell jewelry and other items from her metaphysical shop Social Lights Inc. She said one of the best aspects of this market is meeting other vendors.
"There's networking," she explained. "You can meet someone to partner with or align with. You get to meet new people and not be stuck in an office all day."
The Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market offered shopping in all sorts of categories, from clothing, artwork, food and beverages to home decorations. In addition, there was a beauty and hair lounge, a spot to get family portraits, a children's play area and a fitness lounge with yoga sessions.
"There's activities for everyone," said Caitlin Chavez, a Brownsville resident who was selling her ceramic pieces. "It's more of an event. And you do well and get more of a sales boost."
Byng, Dixon and Thompson said the warehouse's large space makes it easier for people to move around and stop by their tables. This leads to the interactions and then more sales.
Karann Pashkin, a Park Slope resident, said she liked coming to this particular market because of the eclectic range of businesses, many of which are women and minority-owned.
Pashkin also said she came because the businesses selling their goods are local. "It's all about keeping it in the community," she said. "It's very nice here. The crafts, it's all better in person."
Kenneal Patterson of Greenpoint was at the holiday market for the third year in a row. She said she enjoys coming because of the wide range of businesses and creativity behind them, not to mention the positive energy felt in the space.
"It's so critical to to support small, local businesses," she said. "That is what makes Brooklyn run."
