XpoNorth launches Christmas marketplace to support local business with Ross-shire chocolate maker amongst those looking to tempt customers
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SAVVY shoppers looking to take the strain out of the festive season while supporting local businesses are being tempted with a new online marketplace launched this week.
XpoNorth says it has has those who haven’t even started thinking about gifts covered with the return of its popular Christmas marketplace designed to support local makers.
An appeal was launched last month asking creative practitioners based in the region to apply to be a part of the XpoNorth Christmas Marketplace to drum up support for small independent businesses by encouraging shoppers to buy local.
Those signing up include Chocolates of Glenshiel with flavours including Blairgowrie raspberry and Isle of Skye sea salt.
The marketplace is a one-stop ideas shop for those looking to pick up a unique and locally made gift for family and friends.
Each day until Friday, December 17, one brand will take over the XpoNorth social media channels giving them valuable exposure during a key trading time.
The marketplace includes Shetland-based Mella handmade soaps; Wilder Waves from Grantown on Spey, featuring sustainable clothing and accessories to enable marine conservation and beer from one of Scotland’s first independent craft breweries, The Orkney Brewery.
Iain Hamilton, head of creative industries, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and co-founder of XpoNorth, said: “This year we are delighted to see the return of some familiar brands from last year’s inaugural Christmas marketplace as well as welcome the many new brands who have joined this year. About 40 per cent of this year’s makers are showcasing for the first time, which is a great testament to the support the marketplace can provide in helping our local creative economy to thrive this festive season.
“We look forward to seeing local shoppers engage with local brands over the coming weeks via the marketplace and our social channels and hope shoppers and makers alike benefit to have a truly special Christmas 2021.”
The full list of creative businesses included in XpoNorth’s Christmas Marketplace is available to view at www.xponorth.co.uk/marketplace from Monday, November 15.
