With the holidays upon us, now is the time to shop for gifts. For San Antonians looking to shop small this holiday season — while still finding unique gifts — a new type of retail store downtown offers both.

The Holidays on Houston Street Pop-up is not a holiday market, but a retail store that sells products from local small businesses and artisans, who run the shop themselves.

The store, which opened November 9 and will close December 30, is an initiative provided by downtown’s “nonprofit placemaking organization,” Centro San Antonio. Centro encouraged small business owners to apply for this unique experience in August, and chose three businesses to participate in the retail space this holiday season.

Each business represented at the pop-up is different and offers a variety of products from handcrafted candles, to handmade clay jewelry, to dog accessories. Karen Morris is the owner of Two Artsy, which offers an array of artisanal products, including hand-crafted soy candles, jewelry, aromatic body oils, and bookmarks.

“[The store] allows me to connect with a wider audience, engage with our community, and share my handcrafted products with new customers,” says Morris. “Moreover, it provides exposure and a chance to contribute to the festive spirit of the city during the holiday season.”

Alongside Two Artsy are two more businesses: Dezynr sells clay jewelry and accessories, and Perrito Lindo sells dog bandanas, dog-themed human clothes, and more pet accessories.

This retail pop-up is a part of Centro San Antonio’s Holidays on Houston Street initiative. Through this initiative, more than five blocks of Downtown San Antonio will celebrate the holidays with seasonal decor, events, and offerings. The pop-up opened a little ahead of the initiative, which officially kicks off on November 24 and continues until January 2. In case it is not enough shopping, there will also be a weekend market from Dec 15-17 at The Alamo.

“Events like the Holidays on Houston Street Pop-up play a pivotal role in supporting the local community and economy,” Morris states. “They provide a platform for small businesses and artisans to showcase their talents, contribute to the city's cultural vibrancy, and offer unique, locally made products to residents and visitors alike.”

The Holidays on Houston Street Pop-up is located at 175 E. Houston St. #15 and is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 am to 7 pm. More information is available at centrosanantonio.org.