Musgrave Market gains momentum

THE inclement weather did not deter vendors from selling their goods at the Musgrave Market on Saturday.

Market manager, Melissa Ketley, said the market, now held on Essenwood Road, was held at the Berea Park previously, however, it closed down in 2016 due to the low number of customers and stall changes.

“I took over managing the market coming from the corporate background, so it was my first market to manage. I didn’t have experience but I had passion, so when I took over the market, we had 10 vendors and I just believed that I can build it up and it could be something great for the community,” said Ketley.

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She said at the beginning it was difficult to build it up because they didn’t have the customers and had few vendors and some people thought she was wasting her time.

“We eventually built it up and when Covid-19 hit last year, we were closed. We opened this year March and currently we have about 90-100 stalls and the customer base as well has increased,” she said.

She explained that a market provides small businesses with a platform to sell their products as entrepreneurs of small business don’t usually have stores or physical shops for people to view their goods.

“We need the community to support us, because without your support the market can’t grow and a lot vendors need the support of the community as well as a business,” she said.

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One of the vendors, Ciara Willis said it was their third time at the market and they loved being there.

“We have made friends with other store owners. The rain was quiet bad today but we are marking a few sales and we are excited to come back next week, hopefully the weather will be better,” said Willis.

The market takes place every Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00. Follow them on social media using the handle @MusgraveMarker For more information on the market or stall availability, contact 073 625 6725.