The Black Beach Inn by GrandStay hosted their Annual Holiday Tradeshow Shopping Event on December 5, 2024. The shopping event is held annually on the first Thursday in December at the Silver Bay hotel and has been taking place for around 13 years. It was originally called Mall of AmericInn and, as of last year due to the hotel’s new name, is now dubbed Santa’s Sleigh at GrandStay. Live music by Robin Sunquist filled the corridors from 4pm – 7pm. Attendees have enjoyed Robin’s music for several years now during the event. As shoppers visited vendors from room to room, they had a great opportunity to find unique gifts, holiday goodies, and some tasty treats. There were over 20 vendors offering a wide range of handmade and unique items.
After speaking with some of them, they stated it was a bit slow; however, the homemade items were selling very well. The baked goods, jams, and other goodies were very popular items. Kalico Acres had a steady stream of customers buying their Christmas Crack (toffee) along with jams and jellies, which all make great gifts and treats for the holidays. Doug-E-Que was selling a special sweet bread called Potica, which is a traditional ethnic Slovenian sweet bread. It is part of the heritage in this area. Doug Johnson uses the recipe that was handed down by his grandmother. He also had many people purchase his homemade BBQ sauces, salsa, Bloody Mary mix, and flavored nuts. He said, other than the Potica, the flavored nuts were a top seller. Sheila’s Signs & Designs had a wide variety of tumblers, sweatshirts, signs and much more. I actually bought an item from her. She and several other vendors travel from out of town every year to sell their items at this event. One of the vendors had a lot of healing and wellness products. She was able to meet several new potential clients. The Filipino food, snacks and homemade Kimchi is always a hit every year.
Although business was slower this year the shoppers that did go were able to pick up some great gifts, have some wonderful food and get some special treats.
Black Beach Inn by GrandStay is already making plans for next year’s shopping event and have some new vendors that are signing up from out of town and locally. There will be some new surprises for next year’s event so stay tuned. If you have feedback to improve the event or make it more inviting, please visit the Black Beach Inn by GrandStay Facebook page. Mark your calendars for next year’s event. It will be held the first Thursday of December 2025. Check out the Black Beach Inn by GrandStay Facebook page for upcoming events.
