22 Apr Hammersmith BID’s zero-emissions market supports local businesses and environment
Hammersmith BID’s zero-emissions market supports local businesses and environment
Hammersmith BID’s zero-emissions market reached the end of an extended month-long run at Livat Hammersmith shopping centre on 14th April.
A vacant unit at the shopping centre had been repurposed into a pop-up market, becoming home to artists, makers and artisan producers from Hammersmith and Fulham.
The pop-up market has been instrumental in helping creatives and small, independent businesses gain high street exposure and meet new customers, as well as drawing attention to sustainable deliveries.
All stalls and equipment for the market are delivered by zero-emissions transportation and stallholders are supported by Parcels not Pollution, Hammersmith’s zero-emissions delivery service.
For the traders who have taken part in the pop-up market, the experience has increased their visibility as well as enabling them to test new lines and receive feedback on products.
Designer and illustrator Daphne Diamant owns stationery brand Purpose & Worth etc. She said: “Being a part of the zero-emissions market was a brilliant opportunity to connect with new and returning customers, launch new products, meet other small business owners and grow my brand awareness in the community.
“I really value the continued commitment and enthusiasm of the Hammersmith BID team to invest in and support local businesses like mine to grow and succeed. And really importantly, the market and pop-up stalls, in collaboration with Livat, provide a vital and affordable retail opportunity for me to trade and meet my customers face-to-face.”
Social enterprise Homeless Made, set up by charity Barons Court Project, showcases the work of artists who are experiencing homelessness or mental health difficulties.
Profits from sales are split equally between the artists to enable them to earn their own income and Barons Court Project, to help support more people off the streets.
A spokesman for the charity said: “Connecting with the community, showcasing our products and informing customers how they are making a difference, is hugely beneficial.”
First time trader Margaret Doyle said the pop up had been an opportunity to raise awareness of her brand, Bledsoe Bags: “It means a lot because I’m a very small business and I make everything by hand.
“I value meeting local residents and actual and potential customers in person to get feedback, to explain how I work and what my brand is about, to discuss what kinds of bags and fabrics people like. I love hearing people’s stories.”
Milton Grubert, owner of Milton Arts, said: “I really appreciate the opportunity Hammersmith BID has provided for small businesses like ourselves to thrive after the recent trading difficulties.
“It has given us the chance to show our work in well trafficked areas and has also provided the public something a little different and out-of-the-ordinary on the high street.”
The pop-up market has run daily from 11am-5pm until Thursday 14 April, at Livat Hammersmith, King Street, Hammersmith.
It will return on Sunday 1 May, at Lyric Square, Hammersmith.