As the holiday shopping season approaches, Valley Markets is preparing to bring local makers, small businesses and shoppers together for another season of indoor markets at Sahali Mall in Kamloops.

Founded in 2019, the market series features a rotating selection of 40 to 60 or more vendors at each event, offering visitors an opportunity to discover locally made products while supporting small businesses. This year’s fall and holiday markets began Oct. 24, with events continuing through December.

Tara Doyle, co-founder and co-owner of Valley Markets alongside Ashley Czacka, said the idea emerged from an opportunity to make better use of the mall’s central space while bringing more people into the shopping centre.

“We saw an opportunity to bring a little bit more community into the mall,” Doyle said. “There was fabulous central space that wasn’t being used, and we saw an opportunity to create something, bring in some small businesses and help the businesses that were in the mall.”

The markets offer a different experience from a traditional farmers market, with a greater emphasis on handmade goods, crafts and small businesses than on food products. Shoppers can browse a variety of offerings, including handcrafted gifts, clothing, pottery, artwork, home decor and baked goods.

Doyle said careful vendor selection helps maintain variety across the stalls, with organizers reviewing applications to avoid an oversaturation of similar products. The result is a changing lineup that gives returning shoppers new businesses to discover throughout the season.

The markets also provide a platform for entrepreneurs at different stages of their businesses, including home-based makers and people selling their crafts for the first time. For some vendors, participating has become part of a longer journey toward establishing a business in Kamloops.

“Community’s probably one of the most important things, especially right now,” Doyle said. “With the way everything is going in the economy, we’re shopping local more than ever.”

She said it has been rewarding to watch vendors grow over the years, with some moving from market stalls into small businesses of their own. Beyond sales, the events also allow vendors to build relationships, share ideas and support one another.

The upcoming markets are held indoors throughout Sahali Mall’s common areas, with free admission and wheelchair accessibility. Families are welcome, making the events an option for shoppers looking to spend time browsing local products while visiting other mall businesses.

Doyle encouraged residents who have not attended before to come prepared to shop.

“Bring a big shopping bag,” she said. “There are so many great places if you’re up at the mall.”

The 2026 fall and holiday market schedule includes Nov. 7, Nov. 21, and Nov. 28, followed by Dec. 5, 12, and a special two-day holiday market Dec. 19 and 20.

With a rotating lineup of vendors and an emphasis on local entrepreneurship, Valley Markets aims to make supporting Kamloops businesses part of the holiday season while giving shoppers a chance to find distinctive gifts close to home.