It's no secret that I love a craft market, whether it's as a vendor or as a visitor, and it seems I'm not the only one. In recent years, there has been a notable shift in consumer preferences towards handcrafted goods and in-person purchases. This interest is not only bolstering the British economy but is also playing a pivotal role in rejuvenating local communities.
Read on for my top tips on which markets to visit, and why they represent more than just a place to shop.
Why are handcrafted markets so popular?
One of the advantages of buying handcrafted goods from a person rather than opting for online purchases is the connection created between the buyer and the maker. When customers engage with artisans at markets, they gain insight into the creative process, the materials used, and the story behind each piece. This personal connection adds intrinsic value to the product, making it more than just a commodity.
Pop-up markets, with their transient nature, also bring an element of excitement and variety to local high streets. These events create a sense of occasion, drawing in crowds and turning shopping into an experience rather than a simple transaction. The presence of handcrafted markets injects vibrancy into the heart of communities, transforming high streets into lively hubs of creativity and commerce.
So which ones should you hit up? These are some of my absolute favourites:
Love Wimbledon Market, The Piazza Wimbledon.
https://lovewimbledon.org
Image credit: Laura Pink Photography
This fantastic market, now celebrating it's 11th year, takes place from March until December. It is an absolute foodie haven with locally made breads, sweet treats and hot food. It also showcases unique accessories, art & homewares from local independent makers. The traders are crafters, artisans and batch producers whose passion for their product create a fabulous atmosphere.
Solo Craft Fair, Between the bridges at South Bank.
https://www.solocraftfair.com/
Image credit: Londonlily.com
This fabulous market is situated next to the London Eye. The market usually runs on the first Sunday of each month during the summer, although dates for 2024 are still TBC. The market showcases over 60 of London's best makers and designers, selling everything from fashion to art, jewellery to plants and more. As an added bonus there is a bar inside the market, so you can grab a glass of something cold on a hot day and support local independent businesses at the same time.
Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW.
https://oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/
Image credit: oldspitalsmarket.com
I discovered this market over 20 years ago and it's still as magical now as it was then. It's been modernised over the decades and although I do miss the rough around the edges vibe, it's managed to maintain it's place as the number one curator of small producers, local creatives, and independent retailers. It really is an exceptional shopping experience. The market is open daily and you'll find an array of talented crafters and artisans with a commitment to quality and responsible sourcing. At the centre of the market is "The Kitchens" which showcases amazing contemporary street food.
Earlsfield Village, Garratt Lane SW18.
https://www.instagram.com/earlsfield.village
This community pop-up event takes place twice a year (June and December) and sees the shops along Garratt Lane in Earlsfield share their retail spaces with local creatives for free. Each creative donates a prize to a raffle to secure their place, 100% of every raffle ticket sold is donated to the local foodbank. The most recent event in December 2023 raised over £8K. The aim of this market is to support the neighbourhood by enticing people to shop unique and local products which bolsters the economy of their own community rather than the retail giant's pockets.
What's the upshot of supporting handcrafted markets?
The surge in popularity of markets selling handcrafted goods is proving to be a catalyst for economic revival on British high streets. When consumers choose to buy handcrafted goods from local markets, they are contributing to the growth of small businesses and fostering a sustainable economic ecosystem. The money spent circulates within the community, creating a ripple effect that benefits not only the artisans but also local suppliers and service providers.
The desire for authenticity, the personal connection with artisans, and the positive impact on local economies are all contributing factors to the creation of companies like The Pop-Up Club (https://popupclub.co/) who transform empty retail spaces in London into an eclectic mix of creative small businesses showcasing and selling their products to an audience outside of their normal online client base.
The shift towards supporting local artisans is not just a passing fad but a reflection of a deeper societal transformation. Embracing and expanding the presence of pop-up markets & shops in communities will not only fuel economic growth but also contribute to the preservation of our cultural heritage and the vitality of our local high streets, and I am here for it 100%.
Image credit: Holly & Co