As other seasonal markets wind down, the Winter Clubhouse in D.C., which opened on Jan. 24, is just getting started. With over 150 booths that run the entire weekend, customers have an opportunity to explore a vast assortment of vendors.
Even though the market opened in late January rather than around the Christmas holidays, the intent is still to give small businesses the spotlight—during a slower shopping season.
The peaceful ambiance of the Winter Clubhouse, combined with the friendliness of the staff and community, is what drew a large number of vendors and attendees during the opening weekend.
“The people [and] the vendors here are very sweet [and] very nice, especially [the organizers],” said Milia Issa, who was helping run the Larry Issa Design booth.
The market offers a diverse selection of options: delicious winter treats, vintage clothing and handcrafted goods. Customers at the event can also take home life-long souvenirs, by partaking in the clubhouse’s tattoo and permanent jewelry services.
“The event has a lot of fresh young vendors, a lot of hip, cool pieces that they’re bringing to the table and such a variety,” said Catherine Reed, owner of Hacienda Modern Vintage. “It’s not just vintage clothing and housewares: there’s jewelry, food, services and more.”
The setting of the Winter Clubhouse also distinguishes it from other similar markets during this season. Rather than taking place outside, the event is set in an indoor facility, making the experience more enjoyable for both shoppers and vendors.
“We particularly enjoy indoor [markets] in winter, [which] is something [you] don’t see often,” Reed said.
While the indoor setting gave customers an escape from the cold, the facility itself detracted from the experience: the Winter Clubhouse was held in a poorly renovated space with exposed pipes and concrete floors, making the event seem somewhat less professional. Despite that, the seemingly inadequate setting was not a dealbreaker and did not take away from the experience.
The variety of booths and the indoor venue are not the only unique things about the event. Unlike other D.C. markets, such as the D.C. Dupont Circle Holiday market, the Winter Clubhouse requires tickets, which could be purchased for $5 online.
However, these ticket prices are offset by the affordability of the products offered. Though prices varied from booth to booth, most products stayed within the $10 to $25 price range, allowing shoppers to browse and make purchases without pressure.
The Winter Clubhouse not only keeps the season alive through its extensive diversity of vendors and warm atmosphere, but also provides small businesses with meaningful support when it is needed the most. Shoppers who are interested in a fun time with affordable prices should give this place a swing.
