Pop in to our Marketplace!

~By Claudia A. Barbieri

What a great opening week for the SoHa Arts Marketplace — Haddon Township’s creative hub for locally made products like those found at - Cheese Etc.! As the holidays are approaching, you can bring the standard bottle of Kendall Jackson to the holiday party. Or . . . you can visit Cheese Etc. & Gourmet Gifts, along with the other vendors, at the Marketplace at the SoHa Arts Building and bring a unique appetizer such as, a cheddar pistachio spread, a box of chocolate truffles, or a beautifully made gift box that’s full of goodies — less work for your hostess/host to prepare. These tasty delights are only a few things the marketplace offers.

When I went, I needed a unique cheese gift for my best friend’s parents. Gina, Cheese Etc. owner, suggested her best selling cheese spread, Cheddar Pistachio, and Chocolate Fudge Cheese Mini Pumpkins in a perfectly packaged and gift-tagged box. No wrapping required!

Needless to say, my friend’s parents were delighted and impressed with not only the taste, but the specialty wrapping and labeling of the products. Once again, I heard, “Pumpkin-shaped fudge cheese, that sounds so different. Cheddar pistachio spread - never had that combination.” Then, they whipped out the crackers and spread the heavenly cheddar mix on. Their eyes became wide and their smiles became grand. Next, they popped a mini fudge cheese pumpkin into their mouths. Finally . . . “Oh my God, this is amazing stuff! Where is their shop again?” Quickly, I proclaimed, “In Haddon Township, but you can order most products on their website and get them delivered to your door.” This proclamation was music to their ears. In our Amazon world, everyone likes a delivery, but we also love giving back to our small business vendors! So, I left there feeling great. I saw my childhood friend’s parents, brought them a unique delicious treat, and promoted a local small business. All because I brought something other than that humdrum bottle of chardonnay in the wine gift bag (although a glass of that would have been delish with the cheese — next visit with them perhaps). On my next pop-in to the store, I plan on buying more spreads for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, and other unique gifts from the various vendors there. For example, one vendor was selling pet bowties and another was selling custom handmade jewelry. Both will be a part of my next purchase. My dog will not love the bowtie that’s for my family’s enjoyment — poor Chino, but I will be enjoying a bracelet with my favorite shore town charm dangling from the beads.

The hours of the SoHa Marketplace (1001 White Horse Pike, Haddon Township, NJ 08107) are:

Until Thanksgiving 11/24:

Thursday 11-5

Friday 11-6

Saturday 11-5

Then, extended hours are coming after Thanksgiving. Yay!

Some of the vendors include Cheese Etc. And Gourmet Gifts (of course), GF Sweeties, Bloomeon, The Sassy Apple, Blueberry Fields Artisan Soap, Kitchen Confections, Collingswood Candle Company, and Taylor Hughes Art.