Pop-Up at Preston Square Brings a Holiday Market to Little Italy

Preston Square is making it easier than ever to support local this holiday season for those who work, live, and play in Little Italy. Pop-Up at Preston Square, a new weekly indoor holiday mini-market, kicks off next week in support of the Ottawa Food Bank. Running Wednesdays to Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the market offers local makers, artisans, and small retailers a welcoming, high-traffic space to showcase their products and connect with holiday shoppers in the heart of Little Italy.  

Preston Square is a central hub in Little Italy, home to office towers, residences, restaurants, and gathering spaces that bring thousands of people through the community each day. The pop-up will take place in the main lobby, giving shoppers the chance to explore a range of locally made, holiday-ready goods, including skincare, bottled sauces, home decor, and other unique giftable items. In place of rental fees, Preston Square invites participating vendors to donate 10% of their sales to the Ottawa Food Bank. Waterford Property Group, the owner-affiliated managers of Preston Square, will match every donation dollar for dollar.   

For Waterford, the initiative is about strengthening the relationship between the workplace and the surrounding community. “We wanted to open our doors in a meaningful way and give small retailers a place to meet new customers, test ideas, and feel supported,” says Steve Moffatt, Vice President of Waterford Property Group.   

A launch event on November 26, held in partnership with the Preston Street BIA, will celebrate the Pop-Up initiative and the small businesses taking part. The public is encouraged to visit Preston Square from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to explore the carts and kick off their holiday shopping. 

Organizer Catherine Landry, a well-known advocate for local entrepreneurship and founder of She Shops Local, emphasizes the importance of choosing local this season. “Every purchase represents a direct investment in a small business owner who genuinely values the support.” Small business owners interested in participating can contact Catherine Landry at catherineknows@me.com for more information or to book a cart.