Small Town Store’s Annual Christmas Social Helps The Community Support Local Shopping

OROMOCTO – The Oromocto Galleria hosted its fifth annual Christmas Social.

The event welcomed approximately 125 people. Many products were discounted to allow guests to purchase more local items for Christmas gifts.

The owner of the Galleria, Kim Smith, opened her business five years ago when she noticed the community needed a spot to buy local items. She has over 125 people that sell their handmade items in her shop.

These items come from all over the province, including Fredericton, Saint John, Gagetown, Moncton and Sussex. The store’s hot sauces even come from Prince Edward Island.

Smith says supporting local products is important in keeping the money within the town. “It’s the hub of the community,” said Smith.

The galleria has a variety of Christmas themed items for sale. A selection of Christmas wreaths, holiday hand-painted throw pillows and tree decorations. They also sell handmade products to keep you warm this winter, such as sweater mittens, knitted socks and warm cozy toques.

If you’d rather keep warm inside the house this winter, a selection of bath products is available from local business, Naturally Tempted Bath Boutique.

Amanda Steeves, who is the owner of Revamped Living, sells her handmade custom signs at the local store.

Steeves makes all of her stencils, many of which focus on languages, such as Maliseet and French. “Things that people can’t necessarily buy in the stores,” said Steeves. 

Steeves also has a booth at the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market every Saturday morning right downtown Fredericton.

The Oromocto Galleria is open year-round selling products that fit the season.