Georgie Shore at market stall, Yushi. Photo Laura Passi
In an attempt to prevent the mania inducing last minute shopping runs of Christmas Eve AND to remedy the painful disappointment of receiving unwanted gifts on the big day, The Old Truman Brewery has kindly opened a one stop Christmas market.
All I Want for Xmas opened on Thursday and features a wide variety of independent, vintage, designer sale and gift stalls. There is also a pop up emporium, showcasing work in design, art, fashion and home ware.
East London Lines took a peak on Saturday to see what customers were making of this unusual shopping experience.
Ian Hardwick, 39, visited the market in a different location two years ago, this year he said it looked “bigger and better”. He was looking for the children’s area as previously that had been a “real winner” for his two young children. Fortunately for Hardwick, there is a section where children can make their own Yule tide decorations.
Georgie Shore, 22, was there to buy Christmas gifts for her family but said she kept being tempted to buy herself presents. She said of the market: “It’s really cool and it’s probably doing something good for the environment as loads of stuff is made from recycled things.”
The market has a vast range of products on sale such as hand drawn erotic wallpaper or disposable picnic sets made from palm trees. There are some established labels and other traders are using the market to launch a new range. Sharon Mer is at the market for the first time this year running a stall called Yushi, which sells silk scarves, purses and other accessories. She said: “We will be here every week until Christmas.”
Many stalls are showcasing and selling works of art. Richard Sanderson is selling stencil work that he and his brother create. He said: “It’s only our second day but already we have sold a lot.” They are also using the market to drum up publicity for their two month old shop in Camden called London Fashion Art.
Thank goodness the market will be here every week, Thursday late night shopping (5 – 9pm), Friday (12 – 6pm) and at the weekend (10 – 6pm) until the Christmas weekend. The market ends on the 20th and so last minute dashes will not be catered for, uh oh…
