The team responsible for the successful monthly artisan markets that take place in Wilmslow have launched a marketplace which allows creatives to continue selling online. The monthly markets held in Wilmslow Town were cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic leaving many small businesses without their usual selling place. More than 50 artisan stores have signed up so far and new products are being added every day allowing consumers to purchase the items they would have originally found at the market from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
“Because of the current situation we want to support these micro-businesses and enable them to continue through this difficult time, so that once we return to some sort of normality they will be able to bounce back.”
– Denise Valente, Co director, Wilmslow Market
Bringing physical markets online through a specialist online venue is a great way to provide opportunities for small creative businesses to branch out and reach a wider audience of consumers especially where marketed effectively. The extent of the Coronavirus outbreak is global and many people are looking for ways to shop safely from their homes, markets of all shapes and sizes could seize this opportunity and create temporary online platforms to host virtual selling events.
New online selling platforms like the Artisans Online marketplace are likely to reach consumers who were planning on visiting the physical event. This means consumers who are new to online shopping at this level could end up making a habit of online shopping, even after things have gone back to normal and especially if merchants have set up their consumer friendly online presence. Online marketplaces for Bespoke products also offer more locations for merchants to spread the word on what they have to offer and in the current climate, unique and personalised comforts are exactly what people are craving.
One Response
Great idea. Hopefully more will spring up to help support UK artisans and crafts.