This year a brilliant new Crafts and Vintage Market has started up in Altrincham on the third Sunday of every month (from 11am to 3.30pm). Stocking everything from handmade cupcakes and jewellery to vintage glamour - there are over 60 stalls of prime items to pick over.
Two fab advantages - as it is in a covered market hall, you are in the dry no matter the weather (additional stall this month are outside, but have a little "hat" on them to keep the goods and people out of the worst of the weather). Importantly - the Regent Road Car Park is about 2 mins walk from the market and is free of change on Sundays (no more driving round and round looking for a parking place!).
I took my first stall in a long time (very reasonabale rates as well for traders) and I was sandwiched between a lady making really cute sour-dough figures and a brilliant plant stand (who does the market on other days). Opposite was a funky, vintage style pop-up tea shop, complete with bunting and mismatched china and home made cakes (yum!).
It was all so pretty - most of the stall had bunting and were really well laid out - very attractive to the eye! I made the best of it but could have done more (if I had the time). I'd hand made some paper bunting but had no time to put it up as the shoppers were on us as soon as the clock struck 11!
I had a good day selling - the most popular items seemed to be home related - vintage fabric, old glass bottles and books. Not really much interests in cards or jewellery - funny how each market differs. See pictures for samples of my stock.
This is definitely the way that the Town should go to attract new shoppers. It can't compete with the Trafford Centre and shoudn't try! People want reasonably priced, individual goods that are good for the environment (vintage the original sustainable product!) - and this market has all of these things!
Long may it continue!
Market is run by Magpie Fairs and happens on the 3rd Sunday of the month at Altrincham Covered Market on Market Street. They will run right up to Christmas and are at a great Sunday start time of 11am (till 3.30pm).
