Research well underway and the shop four-fifths emptied, the time
to start trading had come. The amazing
response from people who had dropped notes through the door in the last year or
just happened to be passing when I was on a ‘shop day’ meant I had a small
contingent sworn to come and support my first ever market at Ashton Gate Flea
and Vintage Market. I had been to
this market a couple of times previously and had managed to spend my week's (ahem) allowance pretty easily, so
if everyone that attended had the same reaction as I did, then I should be
guaranteed to sell a few garments or textile pieces and start spreading the
word!
Deciding on what to take proved much harder then I had
imagined. Armed with a few of my
favourite issues of World of Interiors, Elle Decoration, my new John Peacock
Vintage study ‘bible’ and the new issue of Vogue, I took to the storage unit
and stared around hopelessly. Apart from
everything still being hidden away in the sacks I transported them here in, what
kind of range should I take? If you had
a seemingly limitless supply of curtains, tablecloths, doillies, lace and
netting, buttons, buckles, shoes and clothes for all tastes then you’ve got to
leave a few things behind. I decided for
the first event, to take a few doillies, tablecloths and bedspreads,
concentrating on the war time embroidery and tapestry pieces, and then a mixed
selection of nighties, jumpers, dresses, coats and shoes. (Oh and a few hats
for good measure). I had a fab response
from the public and many of those who said they would pop by came along with
friends. That first event was a great
experience, and I met many other first time stall holders as well. On the back of that market I got several
offers of help; another monthly market spot (at the Tobacco Factory’s
forthcoming Retroville); and a couple of potential trade customers. All in all
a good day. I see many more early Sunday
mornings to come.
It’s now the end of March and I’ve had three markets at
Ashton Gate, with two more in April & May before they concentrate back on their Bath
Racecourse event. I have had a number of
people who have attended the market in search of me, which is a really great
feeling. It’s good to know you are doing
the right thing and that people are behind you.
And remember, until the shop opens, it is hard to bring
along everything to a market so if you are looking for something specific in
textiles, haberdashery or costume that you think I might have drop me a comment
or email to cliftonhillcostume@gmail.com
and perhaps I can bring the right thing along for you or arrange a
viewing.
Visit the Facebook page www.fb.comcliftonhillcostumeandtextiles
to be kept up to date with events.
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