Test your wares in the marketplace by applying for a free stall at our Pop-up Market
What’s it all about?
At Country Living we know how much hard work, self-belief and sheer force of will goes into setting up your own business. It’s why we are so often inspired by the people we feature and why we like to offer support however we can. This is why, in 2013, we launched our first Pop-up Market to give 30 readers a chance to sell their wares to the thousands of visitors who attend the Fair, network with other small-business owners and gain valuable experience, all absolutely free.
Photo: Sylvaine Poitau
For the past three years, the market has generated a phenomenal response, attracting the attention of buyers from John Lewis and the admiration of a stream of customers, making it one of the most popular events at the Fair. As part of the 2016 CL Spring Fair Build-a-Business day on Wednesday 23 March, we are, once again, inviting you to be a part of it.
Do I qualify?
It doesn’t matter whether you’re selling sausages or samplers, lamps or linen, as long as your business is small (a team of five or less) and you create beautiful handmade, Country Living-style products, we want to hear from you. We are looking for artists, people making home and fashion accessories, garden-related products, beauty products – as well as those creating food and drink.
What do previous marketeers have to say?
Don’t just listen to us; here’s a little taster of what some of our previous Pop-up Marketeers have to say about their experiences. Find the full interviews in our January issue, on sale now.
Jam maker Catherine Piddington, founder of Piddington Jam
When Catherine Piddington discovered she had created a warm Wall’s Cornetto by adding some vanilla essence to a strawberry jam she was making, she knew she was on to a winner. Brought up in a family of natural cooks, she was no stranger to the kitchen, but it wasn’t until her sister suggested she ought to turn her hobby into a business that she took her passion for jam-making seriously and found she loved being her own boss. Piddington Jam had been launched a year when Catherine took part in our Pop-up Market.
“It was such a buzz to be there, surrounded by other new producers. Everyone was exchanging tips, and it felt like a bit of a family.”
Wireworkers Dave Scragg and Linda Nuttall, founders of Love Wire
Photo: Sylvaine Poitau
“It all started for us at the CL Pop-up Market, it was our first experience of retail.”
Davie now has orders from Australia and New Zealand, and items fly off the virtual shelves of his online shop as soon as he can fill them. His partner Linda Nuttall agrees that the experience gave them the confidence to promote their range.
“It was great to network with other small businesses. The atmosphere and camaraderie were wonderful. We learned so much – how to display our work, which items sell best and how to market them.”
Knitter Lauren Aston, founder of Lauren Aston Designs
Taught to knit by her grandmother at the age of 11, Lauren Aston put down her knitting needles for much of her teenage years, but is now pursuing this childhood passion from her home in south Devon. Lauren Aston Designs was just a month old at the Pop-up Market and although Lauren was among the youngest entrants at the event, she found the experience reassuring and encouraging.
“Knowing everyone else was in a similar position to me made it a safe and encouraging environment to introduce my products to the marketplace. The event turned out to be less about selling and more about gleaning advice from others and picking up tips from the experts. I spent a lot of the day overhearing various talks taking place nearby and scribbling down notes that I still refer to.”
How do I apply?
Photo: Cath Gratwicke
We want you to tell us what makes you and your items suitable for a Country Living Pop-up Market, send us pictures of how you intend your stand to look, and share images of the pieces you intend to sell.
To apply for a stall at our Pop-up Market, simply download an application form. Good luck!
The post Apply for a stall at our Pop-Up Market appeared first on Country Living Magazine UK.