Vendor application and market information

Founded in 1967 as a small Calgary garden centre, Golden Acre has grown to become one of the largest home and garden stores in Canada. Our family-owned and operated business has been inspiring generations of gardeners for decades. In 2022 we launched the Golden Acre Community Market, an event dedicated to supporting local small businesses. At this market vendors will promote and sell their wares/services, meet new customers and network.

If you are a small business owner, charity or entertainer based in Alberta, we want you to join our community!
Look below for market FAQs and the application. If you have any questions or concerns, email events@goldenacre.ca.

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faqs

APPLYING & BOOKING

The rate depends on the size of the stall.

Vendors have access to parking, Wi-Fi, and power (please bring your own extension cords/power bars). You’re responsible for your own materials and supplies.

Review the vendor criteria, terms and conditions, and complete the vendor application.

The Golden Acre Community Market is classified by AHS as a “public market.” Unlike farmers markets and special events, which allow low-risk home-prepared food from an un-inspected kitchen, “public markets” have different AHS rules. 

See below for more details of what foods are eligible and exempt from “public markets.”

ELIGIBLE

Artisan food is permitted if the items are “low risk foods.” 

With a valid mobile food vending permit and a
Certificate of Insurance* vendors can bring:

Vendors don’t need a food handling permit (but require a Certificate of Insurance) if they are
exclusively selling these low risk foods:

  • Food and ingredients from AHS approved sources
  • Inspected meat
  • Commercially pre-packaged foods

Some exceptions may apply; more information can be found here.

All food vendors accepted to the market must be able to:

  1. Demonstrate that all food is from an approved source and foods are labeled in accordance with CFIA requirements.
  2. Provide a *Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing a minimum of $2 million liability insurance listing Golden Acre Home & Garden Center as additional insured with 30 days’ notice of cancellation.

EXEMPT FOODS

Under AHS guidelines the following foods are not approved for sale at the Golden Acre Community Market:

    • Home-prepared foods (made in an unlicensed facility/kitchen) such as jams and jellies
    • Un-inspected meat
    • Unpasturized milk and milk products

After applying you will receive a confirmation notice that your application has been submitted. Please allow up to 10 business days for a response.

The Golden Acre Community Market is held monthly the second weekend of July through December.

No, you can apply for as many or few markets as you’d like. We want to provide our customers with a good selection of vendors. Vendors are selected based on our Vendor Selection Criteria.

The application deadline is 10 days before the market weekend.

Ex. Applications to attend the November 12 market are due by November 2.

PAYMENTS

If you’re selected to be a vendor, we will contact you to confirm your booking. Payment is required to hold your space and to be added to our website and marketing. Payments can be made by via the website* and must be made no later than **seven (7) days before the market.

*Vendors can pay by e-transfer if they’re unable to pay via the website.

**You’re able to cancel up to 15 days before the market and receive a refund (less a $25 administration fee). If you cancel within 14 days of the market, your payment will not be refunded.

If for some reason the market is cancelled, we will notify you and do our best to reschedule you for a future market. If we’re unable to reschedule, we will refund your payment (less a $25 administrative fee).

We get it, life happens. If you cannot attend, please let us know so we can update market bookings and bring in vendors from the waitlist.

You’re able to cancel up to 15 days before the market and receive a refund (less a $25 administration fee). If you cancel within 14 days of the market, your payment will not be refunded.

Vendors are responsible for the transaction of their own goods. Please bring a cash float and/or any mobile payment devices* you may require, as well as wrapping or packaging for your customers’ purchases.

*Wi-Fi is available, however signal strength is not guaranteed.

Please note there is no ATM on site.

BOOTH & MARKET DAYS

The GA Community Market is dedicated to bringing in a diverse group of vendors and businesses. Table placement and booth assignment is at the discretion of Golden Acre and is determined for the best benefit of the market.

All vendors, with a table or a different display (i.e., a mobile cart), are required to:

  • Have a safe display (sturdy with no tripping hazards).
  • Tuck storage containers and supplies out of sight.

If you’re planning on a display without a table please inform us of your plans and send a photo of your mobile cart.
You may be asked to amend your display to ensure it is appropriate for the community market. 

The market is a two-day event, held on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month (July – December); vendors should be present both days.

The GA Community Market is dedicated to bringing in a diverse group of vendors and businesses. However, some items are prohibited, please see terms and conditions for details. Artisan food is permitted, some exceptions may apply.
If you have any other questions, please contact events@goldenacre.ca.

Markets are held monthly July – December on the second Saturday and Sunday. Both days at 10 am – 4pm.*

*In honour of Rememberance Day, any market landing on November 11 will begin at 11:05 am, instead of 10 am. 

VENUE

The Golden Acre Community Market will be held inside the main hall of the Golden Acre greenhouse.See the map for more details.

Note: The market is held inside the greenhouse. On average the greenhouse is 10 degrees warmer than outside, but the temperature can vary depending on cloud cover, sun exposure and more.

Vendors will have access to side parking lot close to the venue access door. Free parking is available on Golden Acre’s property and near by.

Yes, we have public washrooms; they are located at the front of the store, on the right side past the furniture department.

Yes, every department in the store is on one level with no stairs to navigate.

CODE OF CONDUCT, TERMS & CONDITIONS

  1. Vendors will conduct themselves and dress in a professional and respectful manner towards the public, all market participants, and Golden Acre staff; and will refrain from using offensive, threatening, or intimidating language (in verbal and written form, i.e., clothing).
  2. Vendors are required to have at least one person always operating their space during market hours.
  3. Vendors will refrain from any behavior that interferes with the working and selling opportunities of other market vendors and Golden Acre.
  4. Vendors will not participate in the market under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  5. Vendors will only sell and display items that are safe and appropriate for a family friendly venue.
    See prohibited merchandise.
  6. Vendors will operate their vehicles and/or equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
  7. Vendors are responsible for keeping their space clean and tidy during and after the market, including removing and disposing of their own refuse off site.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

All items sold at Golden Acre need to be safe and family friendly.

Prohibited items include:
    • Illicit drug paraphernalia
    • Live animals
    • No firearms
    • No open flames or combustible materials
    • Sexual items

Artisan food is permitted if the items are low risk foods and the vendor has a food handling permit and they provide us with a Certificate of Insurance. Some exceptions apply; more information can be found here.

Vendors selling handmade topical products (i.e., soaps, lotions, make up etc.) must provide us with a Certificate of Insurance.

  • Your company must be a local Alberta charity or small business, or you are a performer/artist based in Alberta.
    Some exceptions may apply.
  • If your company is a small business, you must submit links to your public business social media accounts/website and photos of your product(s).
  • Space is limited, vendor selection depends on availability.
  • We reserve the right to refuse any applications.
  1. Safety is the #1 rule. Keep designated emergency exits and pathways clear.
  2. Vendors must comply with the code of conduct to ensure a safe, respectful, and fun environment for everyone.
  3. Vendors are responsible for ensuring that they abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments.
  4. Set up within the set-up time and before the start of the market. See market hours here.
  5. Park within the vendor parking space. View the market map here.
  6. Golden Acre is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged articles.
  7. Smoking is only permitted outside of the greenhouse, within designated smoking areas.
  8. Golden Acre is private property, we have the right to remove unruly customers and vendors from the premises.
  9. Golden Acre management and administration has final say on all market matters.
  10. If vendors damage or break Golden Acre property (including but not limited to market tables, chairs), they are liable for replacement costs.

These rules are subject to change. Failure to comply with any component of the rules and regulations or the code of conduct will result in expulsion from the Golden Acre Community Market. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at events@goldenacre.ca.

  1. Booth spaces start at 6′ wide x 8′ deep. Golden Acre will provide 1-6’ x 3’ table, 1 chair, power and Wi-Fi to vendors. Vendors are encouraged to decorate and style their booth to be professional and attractive.
  2. Tablecloths are required for all market tables. Tablecloths are available for rent for $6.50 each.
  3. Vendors must park in the designated parking lot, set up within the set-up time and not begin tearing down before the end of the market.
  4. Displays must be safe (sturdy with no tripping hazards). You may be asked to amend your display to ensure the safety of all.
  5. Tuck storage containers and supplies out of sight.
  6. Golden Acre display items are not for public use. Please bring your own items for display, including a tablecloth (or rent one).
  1. Your merchandise must be priced and clearly displayed.
  2. Golden Acre Community Market isn’t a flea market. This is a community market intended to showcase and elevate local small businesses. Volume buying sales incentives, such as 3 for $10 are allowed, but the please refrain low-ball incentives that devalue the goods/services of the collective market.
  3. You are responsible for your own items, including the transportation, display, and transactions. Golden Acre is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged articles. Please bring your own cash float and/or mobile payment devices.

Please note there is no ATM on site.

If you have any other questions, email events@goldenacre.ca.