Supporting local this Christmas is super important, there are so many small businesses that have become established and are thriving thanks to generation social media.
Since moving to Canberra I’ve become much more aware of shopping local, supporting small businesses and choosing to purchase from the little guys over the larger more established companies. I think this is because Canberra is a lot smaller than Melbourne, everything is close and a stone’s throw away and people are much more willing to interact, support and converse.
A favourite place of mine is POP Canberra which is a small business set up to support small business; a beautiful little place that is located at two venues full of handmade, handcrafted products all from the local area and surrounds. The ambience of the stores is cute and quaint and it’s a perfect set up to look and buy plus it’s great for becoming aware of those small companies that are beginning to establish themselves or those that are well known and popular.
POP Canberra features products from Dressed for Sunday, Song of Oya, Bee Co, The Little Flame Co, Sweet Pea & Poppy, Happy B Honey and many, many more.
There’s also the Bus Depot Markets which again are full of locals and their hand-crafted wares plus local foodies with their deliciousness. A firm favourite of mine is Tikvah’s Bakery, run by the beautiful Nicole, selling her incredible vegan goodies (some are gluten free too) such as doughnuts, brownies, cakes and slices. The BDM makes for a good morning out, especially on an empty stomach and I recommend arriving as soon as the market opens at 10am to get a good parking spot.
Another place that I love to visit is Spatter Gallery, which is in Westfield Belconnen, which is a beautifully merchandised large store full of local product and artwork that also runs classes and school holiday programmes focused on art and creativity. Splatter Gallery is filled with beautifully scented bath bombs and crystals, cute upholstered chairs and seats, chocolates, candles, water features, soaps, scarves, brooches and jewellery. The location of the gallery is perfect as it’s within a shopping centre and makes it easy as a one stop shop to get all your Christmas shopping started and finished at the one place.
The Handmade Markets in Canberra are coming around again soon and these markets feature throughout the year here in Canberra, and with the Christmas Markets about to commence it’s going to be a wonderful weekend. Not only do the Handmade Markets feature local creators but creators from all over Australia set up at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) and the weekend is full of entertainment, food, drink and rows and rows full of stalls featuring kids wear, candles, skincare, clothing, garden supplies, artwork, food and drink and jewellery.
If you’re looking to shop entirely local this year the Handmade Market is perfect for your last-minute Christmas gifts or the beginning of your haul. Arrive early, bring your shopping bags and enjoy easily a few hours’ worth of shopping and dining.
Where do you like to shop local?
Simply,
Natalie Laura
simplynatalielaura 