The 2010 JLD Holiday Mart is open to the public October 14^th thru 17th.

Wednesday, October 13th

• 8am to 8pm Retailer and Artisan Move In (by confirmation)

Thursday, October 14th

• 8am to 12pm Retailer and Artisan Move In (by confirmation)
• 2pm Final Walk through (All must be set up by 2pm)
• 4:00 to 9:30pm Special Event: Girls Night Out (Note: Show will be open to the public)

Friday, October 15th

•  10am to 6pm Public Shopping

Saturday, October 17th

•  9am to 6pm Public Shopping

Sunday, October 18th

•  9am to 4pm Public Shopping (Note: All must remain open until 4pm)
•  4pm – 8pm Retailer and Artisan Moves Out

Q - Holiday Mart is a juried show ........what does that mean?

A “juried show” is considered to be more prestigious than an open show because it is selective. In a juried show, a judge or jury, accepts or declines exhibitors based on the theme of the show and criteria set forth by the juror. 

In the case of the Junior League of Denver, members of the Holiday Mart Committee review potential merchants and their products—evaluating the quality, price point, similar products already accepted and overall “fit” for JLD’s Holiday Mart. As a group, these committee members determine which merchants will be accepted into the show (“Yes”), which will be denied entry to the current year’s show (“No”), and which will be offered the opportunity to “Waitlist”.

• “Yes” vendors are sent an notification to complete the online contract process
• “No” vendors are notified via post mail of their status
• “Waitlist” vendors are notified via phone or post mail that their merchandise is still under consideration

Q: Will there be other vendors who sell the same product(s) I sell?

The Junior League of Denver is committed to maintaining a high quality show by offering our patrons a diverse range of products and price points. In order to maintain the exceptional quality of our show, we limit the number of merchants in each product category and the total number of merchants in the Holiday Mart. It is to each merchant’s benefit to submit their application and sample merchandise as early as possible for jury selection. We begin sending out contracts in June prior to the Holiday Mart. Not all the items submitted are selected for sale at the Holiday Mart. The Holiday Mart Committee will continue to jury prospective merchants until all spaces are sold.

Q: Should I jury for Retail or Artisans?

The decision to submit an application for the Retailer Mall or Artisans Village can be difficult if you are just beginning a business, unfamiliar with the Junior League of Denver Holiday Mart or new to the trade show circuit. The Artisans Village is generally comprised of smaller businesses which feature primarily handmade items. Artisans pay a smaller booth fee ($600 in 2010 which includes: 8’ table, 2 chairs, wireless internet and trash can)

The Retailer Mall is comprised of merchants who pay a higher upfront booth fee ($750 to $1300, depending on location) but all proceeds remain with the merchant. The Retail booth fee includes: 10’ drapes, an 8’ skirted table, wireless internet, two chairs and a trash can. In addition, all corner booths will be assigned individual storage room located at Expo I at no charge.

You may want to consider the following when selecting Artisans or Retail:

• What type of products do you carry?
•  What are the price points of your items?
•  What are your anticipated sales?
•  Do you have enough people to staff a booth?
•  What amenities are provided?

Both Retailers and Artisans may elect to purchase more than one booth or table.

Q: What amenities are provided to Retailers and Artisans?

• Free parking is available to all retailers and artisans at the Denver Merchandise Mart.
• Meals are available for purchase from the Merchandise Mart. Please note outside meals are not allowed to be consumed inside the Merchandise Mart facility.
• Wireless Internet and one 500 watt electrical outlet is provided. Additional outlet or data line for credit card is additional. Phone Service and additional Electrical lines must be ordered and purchased in advance from the Merchandise Mart. Forms will be made available upon acceptance.
• The Junior League of Denver makes every effort to maintain a comfortable temperature in the building throughout the show.

Q: What should my booth look like?

Sales data from past Retailers and Artisans shows that merchandising matters! Year after year Retailers and Artisans with well-lit, nicely decorated, organized and inviting spaces sell more! Think ahead and plan how you will maximize your table and booth space to showcase your product and draw patrons into your space. The Junior League of Denver Holiday Mart is the first holiday show in the Denver metro area and is designed to be a festive and seasonal show. Throughout the show floor you will find holiday decors -snowflakes, trees, gift boxes, garland, and wreaths. We encourage all of our Retailers and Artisans to contribute to our festive theme with creative and inviting decorations in their booth.

Q: What are the deadlines?

Retail booth and Artisan table selection priority is based on first come, first serve. It is in your best interest to submit your application and the supporting material as soon as possible. Jury sessions take place throughout the spring and summer months until we reach show capacity. Notification of acceptance will be sent following each jury session.

Booth assignment is determined based on the date we received the completed packet from the merchant (i.e. contract, booth fee, proof of insurance/wavier, and other relevant forms) at our Junior League of Denver headquarters. All paperwork must be received by August 31, 2010.

Q: Who do I contact with questions?

If you have any questions concerning the Retail or Artisan application, jurying or acceptance process, please contact:

If you have any questions or concerns about the 2010 Holiday Mart, please contact:

**Show hours are subject to change. Finalized show hours will be included in your Acceptance Package. In addition ,your Acceptance Package will include some additional marketing materials for distribution to your regular customers. Please refrain from notifying your patrons of our show hours until you receive confirmation of JLD Holiday Public Shopping Hours in your acceptance package