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Shop keepers hope to attract customers with 'Holiday Hub'

This year is a pilot project but we hope that we are able to offer the Downtown Holiday Hub at a different vacant location every year
20181119 main st e north bay winter turl
Main St. will be the 'Hub' this shopping season. Jeff Turl/BayToday.

Downtown North Bay merchants think they have an idea to increase Christmas shopping by hosting the first annual Downtown Holiday Hub.

The DIA Promotions/Marketing and Beautification committees will use an empty store to attract new patrons to a place bustling with activity during the holidays.

The Holiday Hub will open Friday November 30 until Christmas Eve offering:

  • Holiday gift wrapping Saturdays and Sundays for for items purchased within the DIA boundaries (By donation)
  • Throwback Christmas photo sessions with professional photographers
  • Santa Selfie portraits (Saturdays only)
  • Makers Market (Dec 14 + 15)
  • Seasonal workshops
  • Lantern making workshops + Solstice Celebration
  • Holiday Hub Swag for purchase
  • Weekly draws

A news release says the "Workshop and Makers Market" details will come soon and funds raised from the project will pay for supplies.

Donations from the gift wrapping station will be donated to a local charity to be announced.

"This year is a pilot project but we hope that we are able to offer the Downtown Holiday Hub at a different vacant location every year in order to activate a variety of spaces," says committee member Katie Bevan. "It’s the perfect time of year to give back to our Downtown community and those that frequent all of our fine establishments."

Meanwhile, volunteers are needed.

"We are looking for volunteers to gift wrap on Saturdays and Sundays in December," says DIA Executive Director Jeff Serran. "This counts towards high school volunteer hours, any amount of time is appreciated."