New Years Market News

Happy New Year to you all. Let's hope 2013 is a prosperous year for London's Markets.
 
ILM Shopping is nearly ready!  
The good news is that you will soon be able to supplement your market trading online via the I Love Markets shopping trolley. Detail on how to apply and benefit form 2 months free trading will be sent to you next week. View a sample shop 

Set up business at Netil Market 
It's the latest market to be added to I Love Markets and here's your chance to find out more! In 2013 new permanent "shacks" have been created which offer Hackney's business entrepreneurs and culinary and artistic creatives an affordable, low-risk way to set-up shop.  As Sarah Bates, Market Manager explains, "Rent is so high in Hackney and particularly in Broadway Market. This is the next best stop for people wanting to set-up shop."  Read more. 
 

January Stall Sale
Some market organisers are offering discounted rates for trading during Jan/Feb. Netil Market are offering 4 dates for just £60. Brixton's Station Road Market are offering any stall on Saturday throughout Jan/Feb for £15pp paid in advance and £20pp paid on the day. On Friday the same offer applies, but perishable food traders are only £10pp. To book and pay for a pitch, traders must contact John Gordon on info@brixtonmarket.net or 07944787336. 

SHOW YOUR LOVE! 

We have now introduced the ability to "LOVE THIS" on I Love  Markets. Show your appreciation for those you love by clicking "love this." Search the market directory now and encourage your fans to LOVE your page on I Love Markets!

While we're caring and sharing don't forget to add all your upcoming events to the market calender!

Best wishes,
Katie Ingham
I Love Markets
www.ilovemarkets.com

Netil Market sets up Shack Alley!

With Broadway Market gleaming on the front line, if you don't live in Hackney there is a good chance that you have never heard of Netil Market, but that is about to change!

In 2013 new permanent "shacks" have been created which offer Hackney's business entrepreneurs and culinary and artistic creatives an affordable, low-risk way to set-up shop.  As Sarah Bates, Market Manager explains, "Rent is so high in Hackney and particularly in Broadway Market. This is the next best stop for people wanting to set-up shop."

Creative Network Partners who are behind both the market and Netil House have always been committed to building creative communities in declining spaces. The permanent shacks will help to bring footfall to the market as well as make full use of all the market area 7 days a week. To complete the offering they are welcoming enquiries from interested non-food traders to fill the last remaining spaces. You might be an art collective or vintage/fashion label?  Spaces are a steal starting from £500 pm. Another incentive is that all permanent residents get a free membership to the super-cool private members roof terrace bar at Netil House.

Netil Market already does have it's fair share of success stories. Lucky Chip is one of them. People come to the market just to sample their renowned burgers (right) and they have since taken up another residency in The Selbright Arms. For those non-meat eaters a mega-tasty tuna burger from Fin and Flounder  is also a popular choice. 

The Cycle Pitstop operates an excellent bike repair service and at very affordable prices (I can recommend these first hand as they changed my brakes last week for just £15!).

Victoria Yum are setting up their Yum Shack and will be spoiling Hackney with their delicious cupcakes.

Popular market stall regulars include Arrow Jewellery and PenelopeBlue Vintage. Throughout Jan and Feb stall holders can benefit from an brilliant offer of 4 days for just £60 (usually £80). For high-end shoppers Michaux Club sells a fab range of designer cycling bags.

Netil Market reopens it's doors after the festive break, this Saturday the 19th of January. Stalls holders and traders can now list themselves for FREE in our market directory, just register.

Click here to view all listings for Netil Market. 

On Feb 2nd To Be Worn Again are holding a vintage kilo sale at Netil House. 

See those smiles! It's photo time

Wishing you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2013!

Despite the torturous weather we had a great time at the I Love Markets Xmas Photo Booth at Brixton's Station Road Market. Click here to view the full photo album and see how Brixton rocks! 

January can be a quiet month, but be sure to post upcoming events here and will help you to publicise these during the January come-down!

We've had lots of fantastic new people join us this month! Some of our favourites are:

Mixy Fandino

The Vegan Tart

Beads and Pieces Jewellery

Crochet Bright and Beautiful

Lots of Love,
Katie Ingham
www.ilovemarkets.com

If you build it, they will come?

So what makes a good market and what does a good market need to ensure success? I've been prompted to write this post after witnessing a few flops in recent months and it's always a great shame for the sad looking traders who have given it a go. The sellers are important, but even with desirable products for sale, if you cannot attract the buyers then your market will have a short shelf life.  

Markets are so hot right now, and there are new and exciting ones popping up everywhere, but as a trader how do you decide which markets to say YES to? To avoid getting burned here's our trade-safe checklist which should assist you in choosing wisely. Read!

The I Love Markets Trade-Safe Checklist:

How long has the market been promoted for?
A good market organiser will announce the market date and start to invite stall holders way in advance of the actual market event. If the market organiser is established, maybe 4 weeks before acceptable, but usually i'd say at least 6-8 weeks is much safer!  

Does the market have a strong online presence?
Any serious event organiser will recongise the importance and value of the online world in promoting their markets. Check is there a Facebook Page, twitter, if so how many followers do they have? Have they posted the event on sites like I Love Markets?

Does the market offer something different?  
 For me a good and successful market offers not only excellent produce for sale but also an excellent market experience. Visiting markets is just as much about absorbing the market culture as much as it is about shopping. A market's "buzz" can influence and indulge you're shopper's hungry eye. Also, something different means people will naturally be interested in attending and the press more inclined to publicise it.

Where is the market located?
Achieving the right market chemistry is a hard task. It relies on having both amazing produce with enticing stall holders and also passing trade to make the market thrive.  
A successful market is a living and breathing entity and passing trade is the like the blood needed to keep it alive. Ideally the market needs to be situated either close to a tube, near a popular shopping area or some other reason why there is likely to be a naturally good footfall.

Who are the market organisers?
We're not suggesting you hire a private investigator but it won't harm you to ask a few questions. How long have they been running markets for? Did they used to sell at markets themselves? (if yes, you know they have some expereince and knowledge) Is this their first event or are they experienced in organising other types of events?

What do you get for your money?
If the market is new then it might be fair for the event organiser to offer you a special deal on stalls whilst they build it's popularity. Don't be afraid to barter especially if you're signing up for a few dates. Generally it's safer to see how the first one or two dates go before paying up for longer stints.

Who are the traders?
Don't be fooled by sales lines like "last few stalls remaining." You have the right to know how many traders are already signed up and if that turns out to be incorrect then you have a good claim to make in getting your money back!

Which other markets/events is it in competition with?
It's always worth checking what other markets are running on the same date, in the immediate area. Will this affect the footfall? 

We hope that this assists you. Don't let your descision feel like a gamble. Play-safe and trade-safe with this check list!
 
For an up to date list of market events in London, click here to subscribe to our mailing list!

Best wishes,
Katie Ingham
www.ilovemarkets.com

The Guardian Competition

I thought you'd be interested to know about The Guardian's LOVE LOCAL competition, which offers small businesses an excellent opportunity to receive £1000 towards promotion and marketing. Enter today.

Promoting a business is hard work and it takes time. Small businesses need to become more and more savvy in finding cost effective ways to promote their brand, products and services. We hope that  I Love Markets assists you in promoting for your business online or event, to a community of people who LOVE shopping and vising London's markets. 

Good luck and do let us know if you reach the finals!!

Best wishes,

Katie Ingham

 

 Proud Partners of

SMILE BRIXTON IT'S CHRISTMAS!

The I Love Markets photo booth is set to bring smiles to Brixton's Station Road Christmas Market on December 22nd between 11-4pm. Join us for some photo frolics and merry madness!

We've got the cheesy props, you bring the smiles! Join us in celebrating Christmas at this fabulous market! They'll be plenty of stalls to shop, designers/makers/arts, Christmas gifts, festive treats, mulled wine, music and more.

Brixton's Station Rd Community Market is a great market to trade at with stalls costing from just £15 per day, Find out more.  

Bringing smiles and whole lotta love to London's markets at www.ilovemarkets.com

London's best markets?

  

We want to spread our wings! We're on the hunt for London's BEST markets and we want to hear your thoughts! Name the borough and the market/s that you're happy endorsing. Keep it as short or as detailed as you fancy! Add a comment here or Submit your market.

Ideally, we want to hear about markets that aren't already featured on the I Love Markets website. Find out which markets we currently feature here! 

Best wishes,

Katie 

I Love Markets