Canberra Handmade Markets

Canberra is spoilt for choice when it comes to market options. The Rotary Club of Hall holds the Farmers Market at Exhibition park on most Saturday’s, the Old Bus Depot Markets can be found in Kingston each Sunday, Hall Markets are held once a month and a number of fresh food markets are open throughout the week.

But 4 years ago, Julie Nichols identified a gap in the market (literally) and launched the first Handmade Market in November 2008.

Julie, a stall holder for many years, realised Canberra was lacking something specific for handmade products. She put her thinking cap on, studied a business course for six months and developed a plan before she branched out and began her successful venture.

Since first opening, the handmade markets have relocated several times. It opened it’s doors for the first time at Albert Hall, then moved to the Wool Shed and then again to the Canberra Wine Company due to it’s very fast expansion.

In 2008 the market started with 36 stores and has grown to an enormous amount of 150 stalls at every market. Anywhere from 15,000-20,000 people attend the market over the weekend from Canberra and surrounding areas.

Now located at the National Convention Centre in the Canberra’s central business district, the market has finally found its home.

Julie is an advocate for Australian business owners and says economic issues and online shopping have actually had a positive impact on these types of markets.

“People appreciate that they can buy something for $20, help support a small business in Australia, receive good quality products and learn the story behind who made it,” Julie said.

Any Australian business with a handmade product can apply for a stall, even if they’ve designed it and others have handmade the item. Jewellery, clothing, artwork, candles, furniture and hats are a few of the many treasures that can be found at the handmade markets. Stall holders travel to the quarterly held markets from Sydney, Melbourne and some as far as Perth. There are also many local stall holders.

Mother of three, Anastasia De Grave is a ‘Designer Textiles’ stall holder at the markets and has attended for three years. She’s also a mid wife and the quarterly occurrence of the markets allows her enough time to prepare her products.

“This is my side hobby and sometimes I have orders from customers that I’ve gained from the markets which keeps me busy until the next one,” she said.

“The fact that it’s quarterly allows for flexibility and enough time for preparation to produce new products”.

Since opening the markets Julie discovered the demand for these unique products and opened a handmade store that stocks some of the products available at the market and allows people to purchase market items.

The next Handmade Market will be held in June.