Narrabri Shire Council is once again bringing festive cheer and local foot traffic to the heart of the CBD with the return of its annual Christmas Pop-Up Shop, now in its fifth year.
Launched in 2021, the initiative has proven to be a successful economic and community activation, having hosted more than 57 stallholders and generating over $80,000 in sales to date. The temporary storefront transforms vacant commercial space into a bustling market-style retail hub, drawing locals and visitors alike during the busiest shopping period of the year.
This year’s Pop-Up Shop, located at Shop 1/100 Maitland Street, will be open from Friday, 5 December. Featuring a curated selection of local artists, makers, and home-based businesses, the initiative offers a rare face-to-face sales opportunity for stallholders, while also encouraging increased visitation to the town centre.
Expression of Interest applications were open Shire-wide in October, welcoming a broad range of businesses, creators, and artisans. With no fees for stallholders, the program provides a low-barrier entry point for small business participation and collaboration.
The initiative is a key part of Narrabri Shire Council’s broader Christmas Activation Plan, which aims to revitalise the CBD through festive programming and enhanced retail engagement.
“While we are working hard to encourage permanent tenancy and support new businesses in vacant commercial spaces, the Pop-Up Shop provides a fantastic opportunity to activate and beautify these spaces during the busy holiday season,” said Gillian Goddard, Small Business Liaison Officer.
Council is hopeful that the Pop-Up Shop will not only drive traffic to the CBD itself, but also encourage shoppers to explore neighbouring businesses, boosting overall economic activity in the lead-up to Christmas.
Narrabri Shire Council acknowledges the depth of talent across the region, and extends its thanks to the stallholders and community members who continue to support the initiative.
Now a cherished tradition, the Pop-Up Shop continues to expand each year in both size and variety, offering everything from handmade gifts to locally produced goods. For many makers, it’s a calendar highlight – an opportunity to showcase the fruits of countless hours of creative work.
Opening Hours
Location: Shop 1/100 Maitland Street, Narrabri
Opening Day: Friday, 5 December
- Friday, 5 December: 10.00am – 5.00pm
- Saturday, 6 December: 9.00am – 12.00pm
- Wednesday, 10 December: 10.00am – 5.00pm
- Thursday, 11 December: 10.00am – 5.00pm
- Friday, 12 December: 10.00am – 8.00pm (Christmas Carnival)
- Saturday, 13 December: 9.00am – 1.00pm
- Monday, 15 December: 10.00am – 5.00pm
- Tuesday, 16 December: 10.00am – 5.00pm
- Wednesday, 17 December: 10.00am – 2.00pm
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