Merchants
Merchant Overview
Our goal is to provide attendees with a thoughtfully curated shopping experience featuring products and makers from around the region. To create a unique shopping experience, Holiday Mart accepts merchants from a variety of categories including Apparel, Home & Holiday Décor, Gourmet Food & Cookware, Children’s Gifts and more.
All interested merchants must submit an application to be considered.
New Merchants
Is this your first time participating in Holiday Mart? Start the application process by creating a Merchant Profile.
Returning Merchants
Have you participated in Holiday Mart previously? Login to your Merchant Profile to apply for the upcoming year.
Merchant FAQs
When is the JLI Holiday Mart?
The 51st annual JLI Holiday Mart is Thursday, November 17 through Sunday, November 20, 2022. Our highly anticipated preview event, Shoppers’ Eve, will take place Thursday evening, November 17, 2022.
2022 Event Hours
Thursday, November 17 6pm – 10pm
**Shoppers Eve
Friday, November 18 10am – 8pm
Saturday, November 19 10am – 6pm
Sunday, November 20 10am – 4pm
**Shoppers Eve is our private shopping event kick-off on Thursday evening (11/17/22) from 6pm-10pm. Our shoppers arrive excited to get the first chance to shop our event, while enjoying food, cocktails, music, and festivities. This event marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season for many in Indianapolis.
Where is the JLI Holiday Mart located?
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Blue Ribbon Pavilion
1202 E. 38th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46205
www.indianastatefair.com
How many shoppers attend the JLI Holiday Mart?
We anticipate over 10,000 shoppers each year.
How many people attend Shoppers Eve?
We anticipate 800+ shoppers during the early access event.
How many merchants attend the JLI Holiday Mart?
We expect nearly 125 merchants, in addition to merchandise from up to 25 artisans and other businesses in the Merry Marketplace.
What is the Merry Marketplace?
Our Merry Marketplace consists of 6×10 booths for artisan merchants and other small businesses. All of these merchants are grouped together to create the Merry Marketplace.
What is the cost to participate in the JLI Holiday Mart?
- 10×10 Booth: $1400
- 10×20 Booth: $2800
- 10×30 Booth: $4200
- 20×20 Booth w/ 2 corners: $5,600
- Corner Placement ($200 per corner) and Main Aisle Placement ($100 per 10×10) are all available for an additional fee
- Main Aisle Only for an additional fee of $100 per 10×10
- Merry Marketplace 6×10 Booth: $750
Do you take a commission from sales?
No. Merchant admission is a flat fee. You keep the entire profit from the event.
When are payments due?
50% of the booth cost is due 30 days after acceptance in order to reserve your space; the balance of the booth cost, plus add-ons (corner, main aisle, dressing room) is due 60 days after initial payment. However, main aisle and corner spaces will be assigned on a first-come (paid), first-serve basis. It “pays” to pay early! The Junior League will refund merchants for any overpayment of booth rental due to non-availability of requested booth size within thirty (30) days of the close of Holiday Mart.
Are two (2) businesses permitted in one (1) booth?
Yes, booth sharing is allowed. However, one business will have to sign the contract for the booth space and take responsibility for the space.
When will I find out if I am selected to participate?
Applications are juried on a rolling basis. All applicants will receive notice of a decision within one (1) month of application.
Does the Indiana State Fairgrounds offer wireless internet services and electricity?
Only if these services are requested prior to Holiday Mart and paid for by the merchant. Instructions will be provided approximately 30 days prior to Holiday Mart if you are accepted.
Is storage available?
Merchants have the ability to pay for storage area directly behind their booth space. This is first come first serve as only a limited amount is available. The Junior League is not responsible for items lost or stolen in this storage area. Use of this area by merchants is at their own risk.
What is an “Add-On”?
There are three “add on” options – Main Aisle Placement and Corner Placement ($300 per 10×10), Main Aisle Placement Only ($100 per 10×10) and dressing rooms ($200). These should be requested on the Merchant Application but may also be requested via email.
I want an end-cap. Is that option available?
Yes, there are limited end-caps available.
What is Main Aisle Placement?
We have a limited number of main aisle booths available. Priority for placement will be given to merchants requesting Main Aisle Placement based on date that ALL merchant requirements are received. Cost is $100 per 10X10 space. 50% of the booth cost is due 30 days after acceptance in order to reserve your space. The balance of the booth cost, plus add-ons is due 60 days after initial payment.
Are corner booths available?
There are a limited number of corner booths available. Priority for placement will be given to merchants requesting a Corner placement based on date that ALL merchant requirements are received. A Corner placement is also considered a main aisle. Cost is $300 per corner.
Do you offer dressing rooms?
Dressing rooms are available for booths 10X20 or larger. This request needs to be submitted in your application.
