Coronavirus has evidently disrupted all of our lives, and large gatherings, events and markets were all cancelled as soon as the news of the pandemic broke. As a result, all businesses have had to find ways to adapt and Pedddle’s markets and their stallholders are no different. Pedddle’s Online Markets are now more frequent, as we’ve all turned online more than ever.
Many other amazing markets have gone virtual too, such as the brilliant SoLo Craft Fair and The Maker’s Market From Home. Our recent Pedddle Online Markets, the Random Acts of Kindness Market and Self Care Market have both been a huge success, with some of our stallholders even selling out of certain products!
In our first market we publicised just one product from each maker, with the idea being that you could buy a gift for someone you love as a ‘random act of kindness’. The stallholders would then gift-wrap it and post it directly to the recipient with a hand-written note, to spread a little joy in these turbulent times. Most of our stallholders offer gift-wrapping as standard, and some can pop a note to the recipient in too – feel free to message them for more information on this. Never be afraid to ask!
Little Shop of Lathers
Our Self Care Market was also a hit, with lots of lovely treats to pamper yourself with. Some of stallholders are still offering letterbox-sized gifts, so you can easily get a little treat posted to you! Whether you purchase some goodies for a relaxing bath, treat yourself to beautiful artisan jewellery or buy a colouring-in print to give yourself some head space, shopping independent helps support a small business whilst also giving you what you need for some ‘me time’.
Thanks to all who browsed these markets on the night, bought from our stallholders and ‘liked’ and shared our social media posts – every little bit helps to support small independent businesses, and we were so proud so see the creative community pull together and spread joy to others too.
Virtual or online markets are so different from real life. It’s generally much harder to get a sale, as you’re missing the face-to-face sales pitch and getting across the history of a product, such as the fact a piece is hand-made. However, it’s not always about sales and sometimes just getting your brand name out there is enough, and people will remember your products when they do want to buy. Getting your product images right is also vital for an online market, and this can be trickier than you think! Our stallholders work so hard on their crafts, and although this is such a hard time for everyone, online markets really do help. Watch out for more blogs on this topic coming up!
If you’d like to join in, look out for our other upcoming online markets:
A man’s kingdom is his castle, and it’s true that there’s no place like home! Being on lockdown makes us cherish our loved ones and our sacred spaces all the more, so now’s your chance to shop small, shop independent and make your home a lovely place to be.
Coming on the 17th of May, look out for our social media posts and click here to see who’ll be trading at the market that night!
Folksy x Pedddle Market
We’re teaming up with Folksy to create a fabulous market at the end of May, combining some of Pedddle and Folksy’s wonderful makers! Check out our social media for details.
Father’s Day Market
It’s time to show the men in your life some love, be it your Dad, Uncle, a father figure or the other brilliant men you know. Coming up in June.
And So To Shop x Pedddle Market
We’re hosting an online market with the wonderful And So To Shop in June, another brilliant chance to shop small and find something truly unique. Watch this space!