Getting Started as a Vendor

The YMCA Holiday Boutique and Pantry Bakeshop is a curated market. 

We carefully select vendors we believe our shoppers will enjoy in order to help make this event a success each year. Vendor selection is based on several factors, including our shopper demographics, product appeal, pricing, and the photos submitted with the application.

Due to limited space and the need to offer a diverse shopping experience, we are unfortunately unable to approve every vendor application. Because this event is first and foremost a fundraiser, we also want to avoid offering products that may directly compete with our Pantry. For this reason, vendors selling food items will be strictly limited.

If your products include any food items, they must first be reviewed and approved by the Pantry Committee before your vendor application can be considered for acceptance. Any food items that have not been formally approved may not be displayed or sold at the event.

No payment is due when you apply. Application and booth fees will be due only after you have been notified of your acceptance into the show.

If you have submitted your application by September 15th and have been approved, you will be emailed an invoice for your booth by October 5, 2026. Prior acceptance or participation in our boutique does not guarantee acceptance into this year’s show.

Handmade Market

All vendors are required to sell handcrafted items only. We reserve the right to remove any items that are inappropriate or do not align with the spirit of our Holiday Boutique. Our shoppers love discovering handcrafted pieces, especially unique gifts for friends and family. Our goal is to create a boutique filled with fresh, one-of-a-kind products that cannot be found just anywhere.

Pricing & Costs

After receiving such positive feedback on the changes we made last year, we’re excited to share that we will be keeping the same pricing structure, with one minor update. This adjustment will continue making participation in our event easier and more rewarding, while also enhancing the experience for both you and your customers.

Last year, we updated our vendor contribution structure from a percentage of sales to a revised pricing model. This change was made with thoughtful consideration and with the goal of continuing to support our Legal Aid Program and YMCA Scholarships in a way that is sustainable, equitable, and consistent for all vendors.

We understand that changes like this can impact everyone differently, and we want to acknowledge that this transition may have been more challenging for some. Please know that our intention is to create a fair and consistent process while also helping us fulfill our mission to serve those who need us most. We truly believe this structure allows us to better support our vendors, our shoppers, and the community we serve. We are deeply grateful for your continued partnership, patience, and understanding.

You will continue to keep 100% of your sales and take your earnings home with you the same day! That means no more waiting for checks…your hard work pays off instantly.

Please note: Since the YMCA no longer requires Vendors to donate 20% of all sales, Vendors acknowledge they are solely responsible for handling all monetary transactions related to the sale of their goods or services. The YMCA will not facilitate, manage, or be held liable for any exchange of money between vendors and attendees. This includes, but is not limited to, the receipt of payment, refunds, product delivery, and the resolution of any disputes that may arise from such transactions. Vendors are expected to bring their own payment processing systems and manage all sales independently. By participating, vendors acknowledge and accept full responsibility for their financial dealings during the event.

Vendor Booth Fees
We offer multiple booth options at different price points to help meet the needs of our vendors. Booth fees are not due until after you have been notified of your acceptance into the show.
2026 Booth Update: Please note that specific booth locations may no longer be requested. Vendors who would like to choose their preferred location may do so by selecting the “Choose Your Spot” option for an additional fee. Otherwise, booth locations will be assigned randomly. Double and Premium Booths are limited in quantity and are not available for single-day vendors.

Full Weekend Vendors (Saturday & Sunday)
(Booth Space shown as Depth × Width)
$300 - Single Booth (6’ ×10’ total space)
$400 - Double Booth (6’ × 20’ total space)*
$500 - Premium Booth (Endcap spot 6’ X 12’ and an adjoining 6’ X10’ space, no electricity)*

Single Day Vendors
$200 - Saturday Only - Single Booth (6’×10’ total space)
$200 - Sunday Only - Single Booth (6’×’10 total space)

Choose Your Spot (New for 2026)
$100 - The “Choose Your Spot” option is available to all approved vendors who would like the opportunity to select their preferred booth location. We know many of our returning vendors have favorite spots, and we truly appreciate the history and loyalty so many of you bring to this event each year. To keep the process fair and give all vendors the same opportunity, booth spaces will no longer be assigned based on previous participation or past booth locations. Vendors who would like to choose their booth space may do so through the vendor application for the listed fee.

We will not allow vendors to share tables. Vendors can make payments on booth fees as long as the balance is paid in full no later than the November 13th deadline. A $25 Application Fee will apply to all accepted vendors. All associated fees that have not been paid by the deadline are subject to a $10 late charge that will be added to your account. Vendors will not be allowed to participate unless all fees are paid in full.

*Double and Premium Booths: Availability is limited. A maximum of 15 Double Booths and 4 Premium Booths will be available. Premium Booths are located at the end of the aisles and do not have an option for electricity.

What are vendor fees used for?
Vendor fees help make the Holiday Boutique possible by supporting the many details that go into creating a successful event for both our vendors and shoppers. These fees also help ensure the boutique continues to support our Legal Aid Program and YMCA Scholarships, allowing us to serve individuals and families in our community. Because these funds are committed to event planning and program support once a vendor is accepted, vendor fees are non-refundable if you are no longer able to participate in the show.

Displays & Set Ups 

We want your display to shine as bright as your items.

We know how much hard work, care, and creativity you pour into your products, and we want your booth display to help showcase them beautifully. Vendors are encouraged to create a one-of-a-kind booth experience that reflects their products and adds to the fun, festive atmosphere of the Holiday Boutique. For the safety of our shoppers and vendors, lit candles or any items that may create a safety concern are not permitted.

If you need access to electricity, please be sure to select that box on your application and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please note that some areas of the gymnasium, particularly the back corners, may not be as well lit as others. We encourage vendors to bring their own booth lighting to help ensure products are displayed vibrantly and clearly.

Set-Up

Vendors are responsible for setting up their own booth space. You are welcome to bring props, displays, freestanding backdrops, and other decorative touches to help make your booth feel inviting and unique. Please be sure that all display items fit within your assigned vendor space. For the protection of the facility, no décor or display items may be hung from the gym walls. If you would like to hang items as part of your booth display, please bring a freestanding backdrop or display structure.

Advertising 

Receive complimentary social media shout outs & exposure as a vendor!

To help gain some serious buzz and spread the word about the Holiday Boutique, accepted vendors will receive a complimentary digital marketing kit. This kit will include graphics and images you can share with friends, family, customers, and fellow vendors on Instagram, Facebook, your website and other platforms. Digital Marketing kits may include digital pieces to promote your shop while also helping us celebrate and grow the boutique as a whole.

No More Centralized Check Out!

The YMCA will no longer be doing a centralized checkout. Here is what that means to you:

As implemented last year, the Y will continue to not retain 20% of vendor sales. This means all payments, including cash, checks, credit cards, and any other accepted payment methods, will be handled directly by each vendor. Whatever you make during the event goes home with you that same day. Vendors are responsible for clearly communicating which forms of payment they will accept at the event so shoppers are prepared before making a purchase.

And, as always, if you feel inspired to give, donations are welcome during the event and will go directly toward supporting the YMCA’s mission.

Liabilities 

We understand that protecting your creations is your number one priority.

We understand how much time, care, and creativity goes into your products, and we do our best to help keep all vendor items safe throughout the event. While our staff will monitor the boutique as closely as possible, the YMCA cannot be held responsible for items that are lost, damaged, broken, or otherwise affected by circumstances beyond our control. Vendors are encouraged to take any precautions they feel are necessary to help protect their products and display items during the event.