This Thursday, Dec. 8, the Greater Pensacola Chamber kicks off the holiday shopping season with its inaugural Merry Marketplace retail expo from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Pensacola Grand Hotel, 200 E. Gregory St. The event will showcase merchandise provided by local boutiques, shops and stores.
The public is invited to shop for unique and personalized gifts offered by a variety of vendors. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on holly wreaths in a silent auction, take selfies with Santa and socialize at the Jingle and Mingle after hours with the Leadership Pensacola Class of 2017.
“Merry Marketplace was designed to promote local businesses and the value of shopping small this holiday season,” said Clay Ingram, President and CEO of the Greater Pensacola Chamber. “When we shop small, we invest in our community’s future and make a huge impact on our local economy.”
The Chamber is collaborating with two local nonprofit organizations for this event. Admission to the event is free with the donation of one non-perishable food item to benefit Manna Food Pantries. View a list of most-needed food items and donation guidelines.
Each vendor is decorating a wreath to display at the event with $10 minimum bids. All silent auction proceeds from the wreath contest benefit United Way of Escambia County, which means that all of the funds raised stay here and help Pensacola residents.
“It is important to remember those less fortunate, especially our friends and neighbors, during the holidays,” added Ingram. “We are proud to partner with Manna Food Pantries and United Way of Escambia County to collect non-perishable food items and raise funds that will be distributed back into our community.”
What: Merry Marketplace Retail Expo
When: Thursday, Dec. 8, from 1 to 7 p.m.
Where: Pensacola Grand Hotel, 200 E. Gregory St.
Price: Free with the donation of a non-perishable food item to benefit Manna Food Pantries
For more information, visit PensacolaChamber.com/Events/Merry-Marketplace