Business
Holiday Market
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in town! This holiday season Merchantville presents their Holiday Market on December 10th and 11th, sponsored by Merchantville’s Market Off Centre, Shop Merchantville and Eilandarts Center, will offer the area’s largest collection of artists and crafters filling the streets of Merchantville’s downtown with precious works and classic gifts for everyone on your list. Enjoy a weekend of family activities and entertainment. The fun kicks off on Friday, 12/10 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with live ice carvings taking place throughout the downtown. Stroll the streets and be amazed at the artistry and skill from Ice Sculpture Philly as they create amazing displays right before your eyes. Warm up at the hot chocolate bar located at the Station Coffee, and pause for a photo at the selfie station and sit down at one of Merchantville’s restaurants including the Blue Monkey, Aroma Indian, Park Place and Charlie’s Crepes or browse a selection of local food trucks. On Saturday, 12/11, the Market runs from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. See the finished ice sculptures, shop the artist vendors and Merchantville boutiques and enjoy a day filled with family entertainment including face painting, kids’ crafts and carolers throughout the day. End your day with a stop by Santa’s house on the corner of Park and Centre Avenues to share your holiday wishes.
Small Business Saturday
Shop small and win big in Merchantville on Small Business Saturday, November 27th. There is no better time to support local, small business than right now. Show your support for local businesses by shopping, dining and supporting the businesses that make Merchantville great! Specials, exclusives and sales await at your favorite Merchantville businesses and this Small Business Saturday in Merchantville get rewarded for shopping small! For each store you make a purchase from, earn a chance to win a two-day getaway to the Lancaster Penn Marriott, valued at $500. The more places you shop, the more chances you have to win! Doesn’t it feel good to support local? Merchantville is filled with a variety of stores and eateries offering the very best of small business in a variety of tastes, goods and experiences. With an array of restaurants boasting cuisines extending from Indian, crepes and Japanese to the eclectic offerings of fresh forage, Merchantville visitors can expect meals that intrigue the senses. Visit the Merchantville business directory here.
Downtown Treats
Win a Gift Basket
Follow House Of Rowan Boutique on Instagram and enter to WIN a Gift Basket valued at $150! Gift basket includes a Prosperity Manifest Bath Set with candle, bath salt, essential oil, and bath bomb (perfect after a long night of trick or treating!); a Cheese Fiend keychain; a Beautiful Inside and Out Halloween Bag; a Friendship Card - Underboob; an Adult Game Dice; a Manifest Card: To Be Magical AF; a S’lick Edible Massage Oil - Vanilla; and, a Spooky Season Card. To be entered and have a chance to win you must complete these 3 steps: 1. Follow @houseofrowanboutique 2. Tag 2 friends on this post and 3. Take a photo of the studio (include the store sign) post it on Instagram. Make sure to tag @houseofrowanboutique in the caption and use hashtag #houseofrowanhalloween. Random winner will be chosen from entries on November 2, 2021.
Ghoulish Shopping & Events
Avocado Fiesta On abc7 LOCALish
The partners behind Mexican restaurant Avocado Fiesta were featured on abc7 Local this week. They say their labor of love and family's support helped amid the pandemic. Co-owner and chef Alfredo Ramírez says, "We are passionate to cook for you. And that's why Avocado Fiesta is here for you guys." Their restaurant serves 100% authentic Mexican food and delicious pastries. "We're really passionate what we are doing here," says co-owner and baker Delia Leana. "We try to make everyone happy here and have a good ambience." Menu options include: sandwiches, salads, tacos, and popular plates such as chiles rellenos and carne asada. Be sure to save room for tres leches and tirmisu. Avocado Fiesta serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Beer Fest Tickets
It’s been over a year and half since we’ve been able to say ‘the tickets are in!’ The Blue Monkey Tavern is hosting their 2021 FallFest on Saturday, October 2nd, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Fall weather is on the way, the perfect season for having a few brews! You’re invited to the 12th Annual Fall Fest, hosted by Blue Monkey Tavern and the Niagara Fire Company. Enjoy dozens of beers, select wines, food trucks, fun and more! Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 on event day and at the door. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the Blue Monkey Tavern anytime during normal operating hours or online - https://events.beerfests.com/e/blue-monkey-fall-fest-2021. A portion of the proceeds will support Merchantville’s Niagara Fire Company and our local first responders. All attendees MUST be 21 years of age or older to enter, whether drinking or not. Must have valid state ID and ticket (printed or mobile) to be admitted. Wearing of masks are strongly encouraged!
Roof Issues?
Gasper Roofing owner, Jason Jimenez, promises proven expertise in roof installation and replacement, in Camden and Burlington counties, with a long track record of success. This family and locally owned roofing company has been the choice of homeowners in South Jersey since 1972. They are available to help you with 24/7 emergency service and guarantee your satisfaction with every job they do. Call them at 856-786-9333 for a FREE estimate or text 856-364-8400 for immediate service. Check out their YouTube and Facebook videos to learn more about their business and meet the staff at their home office in Merchantville.
A Local Look At Cat's
Cat's Creations was recently featured by Susan Lucci on ABC 7 Localish. This trendy bakery offers fully customizable cakes and other sweets decorated with just about anything your brain can imagine. Owner, Catherine Gray began this self-taught venture as a stay-at-home mom looking to make ends meet. Her rustic inspired shop is located in the heart of Merchantville, NJ at 21 South Centre Street.
Hand-Me-Downs With Humor
After years of open-mic nights and co-producing a successful series of regular comedy events called Side Ponytail, Carolyn Busa landed back home in South Jersey when the pandemic abruptly shut down the scene in 2020. She opened Peak Secondhand at Centre Street and Maple Avenue in Merchantville early in June as a showcase for her earthy personality, vintage clothes and her own drawings. Busa and her dad looked at a number of locations in Philadelphia before finding the space on busy Centre Street - seen by Mayor Ted Brennan as "an attractive option for people who are investing in themselves like Carolyn" - A longtime fan of shopping for used clothing and accessories, Busa was inspired to get into the business by Frugal Thrift and Vintage in Collingswood and recently caught the eye of writer, Kevin Riordan, from The Inquirer. PEAK is open Tuesday-Friday from 12-6; Saturday 12-7 and Sunday 12-5.
