Record crowds at the River and Wren December Markets indicate a shift in buyer mentality, a local organiser has suggested.
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Event coordinator Jennie Meiklejohn was thrilled by the “thousands” of attendees to Sunday’s final artisan stall event and believes the times are changing for handcrafted goods and products.
“I think the district has really embraced handmade and boutique gifts this year,” she said.
“There are so many talented artists in the Riverina and we’ve been pushing these kinds of wares as an alternative to gifts that are made overseas or mass produced.”
Wagga skincare producer Emma Sabiosky was behind of the 125 stalls in Kyeamba Hall on Sunday and believes handcrafted products are becoming more and more popular.
“These are terrific gifts and we’re seeing more and more people interested in purchasing these kinds of products, especially around Christmas,” she said.
First-time stallholder Cathy Hamilton was another local artist on display, garnering plenty of attention for her animal portraits and sketches.
“I’ve been sketching forever but this is my first time with a stall,” she said
“The markets are very exciting and lots of people have been looking at our Christmas themed products.”
It’s no surprise December’s turnout was so vast, given the incoming holiday spree.
However, having celebrated its third birthday in August this year, the River and Wren Boutique Markets are fast becoming a regional staple.
“We’re the biggest market in the region, I’d say,” Mrs Meiklejohn said.
“But we’re always trying to keep the stalls fresh.
“Stalls apply to be involved and it’s important to carefully curate the stalls to ensure no two displays are alike.”
Despite its resounding success, Mrs Meiklejohn has no plans to expand beyond the current bimonthly schedule.
“I think we’ll be keeping it to six a year,” she said.
“There’s lots of market that go on and I don’t want to flood the market.”
The organiser’s own enjoyment and sanity may play a part in the scheduling, too.
“Honestly, I don’t think I’d enjoy it as much if we were running monthly markets,” she said.
“Besides, keeping them bimonthly gives people something to look forwards to.”
