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Traders prepare for Christmas markets

Traders prepare for Christmas markets

Thursday 30 November 2023

Traders prepare for Christmas markets

Thursday 30 November 2023


Tonight will see the first of eight Christmas markets organised by a businesswoman who is keen for it to be the best event of its kind the island has ever seen.

Kia Lowe is the woman behind 'Treats & Sweets', selling chocolate bouquets, hampers, sweets and gifts.

Other traders selling a wide spectrum of goods will also be there over the four Thursday nights and four Saturday's between today and Christmas Eve.

Ms Lowe said she wanted to try and create a real market experience after feeling that the Town Markets has not had a full festive feel in recent years.

"I have organised the Market Square events this year", she explained.

"We have four Thursday markets (18:00-21:00) and four Saturday markets (09:00-17:00) with stalls outside New Look, Land of Green Ginger and also inside the Market Place where the Guernsey Weigh was situated."

With these locations ready to host the Christmas markets, Ms Lowe has the largest number of stall-holders ever ready to sell their wares.

kia Lowe market

Pictured: Kia Lowe's 'Treats & Sweets' will be just one of the stalls at this year's series of Christmas markets.

"We have a record number of 25 businesses taking part this year which is fantastic and I am awaiting confirmation on some more. Although not all businesses are there for every market date so each market will be a bit different," she said. 

Tonight's market will be the smallest of the series, with eight businesses attending - which exceeds the number of stalls on any night last year.

The number will grow to 10 on Saturday with 22 stalls currently booked for Thursday 14 December which could be the busiest market date this season.

Ms Lowe said these events can be very important for stall holders and can help them build their brands.

"As a small business owner myself who relies on the organisation of events like these, I really wanted to try and make the markets the best they have ever been.

"Since Covid, the town markets have just not had the festive feel or community vibe they once did and I really wanted to try and bring that back this year and get as many businesses involved as possible so I really hope that the public can see the efforts that have been put in and choose to come and support the event and support and shop local this Christmas."

In total 25 different traders have taken stalls at one or more of the Christmas markets over the Thursdays and Saturdays between now and December.

Ms Lowe is excited for tonight's first market and while she won't be selling her 'Treats & Sweets' she will be there keeping an eye on things and preparing for Saturday's indoor stalls 

"I will not be selling at the first market tomorrow but I will be around as we will be setting up the inside shops ready for the Saturday market. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to get this set up for the additional November market which was a last minute addition."

Who's who?

Between Thursday 30 November and Saturday 23 December (inclusive) there will be eight Christmas market events in and around Guernsey's Town Markets.

The number of stalls will vary from eight tonight to 22 on Thursday 14 December with more stall holders likely to confirm attendance as the days go on.

The traders are: 

Treats & Sweets: chocolate bouquets, hampers, sweets and gifts 

Melt & Glow: handmade cosmetics, home fragrance and bath and body products 

Stumpylumpyknots: handmade macrame creations such as earrings, keyrings and decor 

Glassy Birds: stained glass creations

Diamond Art Designs: diamond decorated gifts, cards and home decor 

Poko Guernsey: award winning skincare 

Hooked on Crochet: handmade crochet baskets, earrings and decor 

Creature Comforts: pet related gifts and treats

TopChick Productions: handmade custom mini figure art

Willow & Bloom: jewellery, hair accessories and decor

Totes Notes: art, stationary and accessories 

Rae’s Willowcraft: handmade willow baskets and decor 

Little Rockers: children’s clothing 

Afrisey: handmade jewellery 

Shake It Up: fresh dinky donuts 

Chocolate dreams: chocolate covered strawberries, waffles and more 

Safety Net Guernsey: handing out free safety net covers to prevent drink spiking 

MG Abstracts: handmade fluid abstract art, gifts and more 

Mina Pasquet: children’s arts and crafts 

Pukka Tukka: a huge range of toys, handmade treats and gifts for your pets 

Let’s Party: jewellery, mugs, soap bouquets, accessories, gifts and more 

ChéZoë: affordable boutique clothing and accessories 

Design4Giving: Guernsey themed gifts and accessories 

Granite Goat: bags of coffee and gifts

SJT Photography: custom engraved gifts and decorations 

Pictured: (inset) Kia Lowe with the Market Christmas tree (from Guernsey Market Place on Facebook).

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