Tag Archive for: Market

Stories Behind The Stalls – Love Wimbledon’s Local Market

 

From our very first market in 2013 with just 11 stalls, we have become such a popular market in south west London for both stallholders and visitors, and we now host 27 stalls each month.  Over those years, we have developed a wonderful sense of community with local residents becoming regulars for many of our stallholders and market.

– Tracy Francis, Piazza Manager

 

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Love Wimbledon’s Local Market on The Piazza, we interviewed a few of our long-standing stallholders, to hear about their experiences when trading at our market. We have a weekend of celebrations planned 1-2 April, 11am-6pm, from live music to giveaways, themed treats and more. Click here to see a full list of the fantastic stalls.

LusoBrazil

LusoBrazil has been trading at the Love Wimbledon Local Market since 2013. Rute and Segundo wanted to bring authentic products to markets from their Portuguese and Brazilian cultures. LusoBrazil were finalists in the 2023 Time & Leisure Food & Culture Awards for the third time, nominated this year for The Wimbledon Town Centre People’s Choice Award and won highly commended in 2017.

 

What do you like about the atmosphere of our market?

It has a brilliant and friendly atmosphere with fantastic products and amazing traders, we see the market as an essential event for the local community. People who visit the market, including our regular amazing customers, tell us the market is a local monthly meetup.

 

How has the market helped your business?

From day one Love Wimbledon trusted our products and our service and that made us believe in ourselves even more! With our regular variety of Portuguese and Brazilian bakes and the increase in footfall to the market, our stall has seen a steady growth in customers.

 

Me Me Jewellery

Michelle, otherwise known as Me Me, is a coffee-loving fitness fanatic, foodie and devoted mummy that loves to create and design. Me Me discovered her passion for jewellery while travelling in Asia and being surrounded by stunning gemstones. Me Me Jewellery’s speciality is occasion, gift and bridal jewellery, but her pieces can be worn by anyone who appreciates elegant and feminine design.

 

What has the market done for your business?

The market has really helped my business progress. I have met many wonderful customers, that come back time and time again. The repeat business is great and a lovely boost that people remember and come back.

 

What makes the Love Wimbledon market special?

What makes it so special are the other traders, everyone is so supportive and lovely. It feels like family and I can’t wait to see them each month. The atmosphere is fantastic, everyone is happy and helpful, especially Tracy. There’s always a lovely buzz. 

 

Little Greece

Another award-winning business, Little Greece launched their food business at our market. They have been serving delicious Greek souvlaki, salad, tzatziki and feta cheese, haloumi since 2018 which are fan-favourites at our market.

 

Tell us how the market has made a difference to your business.

Exposure at the Love Wimbledon market led to recognition of our food stall. In 2018 we were highly commended as the ‘Best Eating Experience in Wimbledon Town Centre’ by Time & Leisure magazine readers.

 

What special words do you have for us?

The market has a special place in my heart as it was where we first established Little Greece. I enjoy being a part of Love Wimbledon’s market and I will definitely continue supporting this amazing initiative which brings small businesses to the heart of Wimbledon.

 

Maggie Mosley Art

Maggie Mosley Art specialises in creating Eco Art. Inspired by our no single-use plastic policy to go totally plastic-free and eco-friendly, her wooden items are reclaimed and she makes made-to-measure gift bags from vintage material for them to go in.  Customers receive an original piece in a reusable bag and the reassurance that they are helping the planet. On April 1-2, enjoy a 10% discount on Maggie’s hand painted upcycled vintage items, as well as a handmade gift bag.

 

Why do you choose the Love Wimbledon Local Market?

Love Wimbledon is my local market so it’s really good to engage with the local people. Over the years I’ve seen the number of returning customers grow and grow, as well as the requests for bespoke pieces. So the market is an opportunity for me to engage in marketing as well as sales, which makes business sense.

 

Why do you think customers visit the Love Wimbledon market?

Customers look forward to the monthly markets and come to find unique handmade products. This makes for a buzzy, friendly vibe. I love chatting to the regular visitors and catching up with their news.