Amazing August

Crikey, we really saw some magic happen at the Market in August - we welcomed a record number of customers through our doors and achieved an incredible level of sales all around the Market.

Once again, we were lucky with the weather, a welcome respite from the cold and rainy days we had been experiencing over the previous few weeks.  We're not sure quite what it was that drew the locals and visitors alike to the Market in such large numbers - the unseasonably bright and warm weather, the pulling power of Ian sitting outside the local eatery having his breakfast whilst wearing the Market sandwich board .. or maybe the new, and very beautiful, lighting and decor in the Arcade drawing people through ... whatever it was let's hope we can manage a repeat at the next Market in September.

Wonderful July Market

It was so great to see all our amazing stallholders at the Devonport Craft and Fine Food Market in July - the weather was surprisingly good for the time of year and we welcomed back some old friends who we haven't seen for a while.

One of the things I love about our Market is the variety of stallholders who come along - we aren't a huge venue so don't have room for very much 'doubling up' of types of stall - so it's great that we have a real mix from Market to Market.  I really love seeing everyone's handmade items and marvel at the skill and hardwork that clearly goes into each item.

I also love the variety of customers that come along - we have a real mix in Devonport - from locals who pop in each month to have a look at what's new; those who travel a distance to make a regular purchase from a favourite stallholder and visitors to the area who might be on a cruise breaking their voyage in Auckland or catching up with family and friends in the Village.  No matter who our customers are, they all enjoy a warm welcome and a browse around an impressive array of stalls.

So much to love about our special Market.

Easter Fun

What a magnificent Market we all had yesterday.  Everyone has really settled well into our new venue and we've really made it our own on Market Day.

We welcomed a few new faces this time and it was great to see them joining in with the wonderful rapport that the regular stallholders have.

I'm really loving the atmosphere that the stallholders create together ..it inspires me to go home and be creative ... although maybe a cup of tea is on my mind first and foremost at the end of a busy Market Day.

Fab March

It really feels like we are going from strength to strength this year .. we are working out how to get the very best from our new venue and we have received lots of compliments from customers and stallholders alike.

The sun shone on us today - which always lifts the spirits - and spurs us on to try and secure some additional outside space.  Let's hope the sunshine stays with us.

We are puttting all our efforts into making the Navy Days Market on 24th March an amazing event - and then focusing on how we can make our April Market even better ... we have a hard act to follow that's for sure.

How Much Rain !!!!

Well, we certainly kicked off 2018 with a Market that was wet, wet and wetter!!

But luckily we all squished inside the Hall and kept dry.  We had a super number of customers coming through - encouraged by our mobile advertising 'Sandwich Boards' wandering around the Village.

We had a wonderful atmosphere and an amazing amount of sharing of ideas for promoting the Market and the stallholders - I feel so privileged to be part of such a supportive and creative community.

Our new venue was a huge hit - with many compliments from stallholders and customers alike - a change is definitely as good as a rest as evidenced by the fresh energy that was definitely present on Sunday.

Our next Market is 11th March - counting the days!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wow!  What an amazing year 2017 turned out to be for us at Devonport Craft & Fine Food Market.  We had a brilliant first year - met some incredible people and made lots of new friends.  Each month brought something new to delight and impress us - we feel very privileged to have been amongst so many talented craftspeople.

In the true tradition of the New Year heralding new beginnings - we are going to try something new at our Markets in 2018.

Firstly, a change of venue - we've taken on board the feedback from our stallholders and have been looking, for a while now, for a venue closer to Victoria Road and the cafes and coffee shops.  So, with that in mind we are going to move a hop, skip and a jump away to the Harmony Hall on Wynyard Street, which seems to meet our criteria.

Although this new venue doesn't offer so much outside space - we will still be able to offer a couple of spots out the front (and I think I already know which of our regulars will want to snap those up!). 

The inside space is good - and there is a large room that we could use to run some hands-on crafting sessions if any of our stall holders are keen to showcase their talents - we will be following up on that idea very soon.

Another new marketing idea we are going to trial is to get some helpers wearing old fashioned 'sandwich boards' walking around the local area - as well as some new signage that will be going up very soon ... the ideas are flowing!!

So, we hope to welcome lots of stallholders and customers alike in 2018.

I hope to see you soon.