WA’s largest design market Perth Upmarket has come up with a creative way to negate the national ban on large gatherings and social distancing by taking its staple event online. The virtual market will take place over this weekend, with over 180 of the event’s regular retailers able to sell their unique goods.
In a smart move, retailers such as Pure Aussie Balms, Perth Soapworks and Bare Naked Body will be selling their handmade soap, sanitisers and dishwashing bars over the weekend, which are currently a hot commodity in regular supermarkets.
The event will also provide a much-needed chance for income to Perth’s artists, small businesses and producers.
“Many of our retailers rely on being part of Perth Upmarket to showcase and sell their products to over 10,000 visitors and shoppers,” Upmarket director Justice Barsley stated, commenting on the difficult decision to cancel the market for the first time in the event’s history.
“While we had to make the difficult but right decision to cancel the market - the first time we’ve done so in our 12 years of operation - we also knew that our retailers, like many other small businesses around Australia currently, will be set back without support from the wider community.”
“So we decided to quickly and effectively devise a way to allow thousands of our community members and shoppers anywhere, to still shop for presents, supplies, clothes, food cravings and art produced by our retailers but from the safe comfort of their own homes.”
The revamped online version of the market will not only provide an income to some of Perth’s most talented creators, but also benefit customers, allowing those who are isolated and unable to leave their homes an opportunity for some much-needed retail therapy and a way to support the local community.
“All you need is a computer, mobile device and internet to be part of our virtual marketplace,” Justine says.
The Virtual Upmarket goes live from 9am on Saturday the 21st of March, running until 9pm the next day.
For more information on their website here
Photo credit: Perth Upmarket Facebook Page