Ashland Town Center Turns Mall Space Into a Thriving Showcase for Local Makers

Ashland Town Center Turns Mall Space

 Into a Thriving Showcase for Local Makers

Rebecca Hemlock

The Ashland Beacon

In a kind move to support small businesses and craft vendors, Ashland Town Center has opened its doors to local crafters and small businesses inside the mall this holiday season. The arrangement gives local entrepreneurs a platform to reach tristate shoppers who fill the center’s hallways every day, capitalizing on impulse buys and the warmth of a community shopping experience during the most bustling time of the year.

The driving force behind the program is Angie Hudnall Caudill, a longtime advocate for small businesses and crafters in the tristate region. Caudill spoke fondly of the mission, saying, “I love seeing small businesses get the chance to reach more customers and for customers to be able to shop local.” Her words reflect a broader belief that local entrepreneurship deserves a stage where creativity and community intersect, especially as holiday shoppers seek unique gifts beyond big-box selections.

            To accommodate the growing demand from vendors, the Ashland Town Center has repurposed space to fit larger setups. The old Joann Fabrics building has been graciously offered to local small businesses and vendors, providing the extra square footage needed for more expansive displays, interactive demonstrations, and a comfortable shopping environment. After the holidays, vendors will return to the mall’s normal hallway locations, resuming the usual flow of foot traffic and store operations.

            The pop-up program is scheduled to run over several holiday weekends, with specific dates announced to give shoppers a clear picture of when to visit. The shows are planned for Nov. 28 through 30, then again Dec. 5 through 7, Dec. 12 through 14, and Dec. 19 through 21. These slots are designed to maximize exposure during peak shopping times while ensuring there’s a steady cadence of new and varied products for customers to explore with ease.

            Caudill emphasized that the initiative is about more than just space—it’s about opportunity and accessibility. “It was incredibly nice to know the mall was willing to help us out and continue to support our small businesses by allowing us to use a bigger space.” The sentiment underscores a collaborative effort between mall management and the local business community, one that seeks to keep commerce vibrant and personal in a season that often feels transactional.

            “One of the reasons to do these shows is I want everyday people to have a chance,” Caudill added, highlighting the inclusive spirit of the program. The pop-up events are designed to welcome a broad range of vendors—from crafters and makers to artisans with one-of-a-kind gifts that tell a story. For shoppers tired of mass-market options, the pop-ups offer a curated mix of products that reflect the talent and character of the tristate area.

            The promotion reflects a broader trend in which shopping centers partner with local entrepreneurs to create community-centric experiences. By dedicating space inside a busy mall, the initiative exposes customers to new brands and handmade goods while giving small businesses a rare chance to scale their reach without the overhead of a separate storefront.

            For small businesses interested in joining the pop-up program, Angie's Caudill remains the primary point of contact. Vendors and interested parties who want to be part of the seasonal lineup are invited to reach out at queenraines@gmail.com. Caudill is the sole contact for the event, ensuring a streamlined process for applications and space allocation.

As the holiday season approaches, shoppers can expect a festival-like energy inside Ashland Town Center, with the old Joann Fabrics space transformed into a bustling marketplace where creativity thrives and community support is palpable. It’s a reminder that, in today’s economy, local partnerships can create bigger opportunities—one gift at a time.