As the holidays begin many Londoners will be shopping and eating out more over Christmas.
Local and independent businesses that sell on street markets are often overlooked or not taken advantage of during the busiest time of the year.
Shopping locally is always spoken about but when it comes to Christmas, why is it so important and is London doing enough to support our local markets?
To listen play the Soundcloud link below.
Interviews:
Shannon Reed - @mockingbird_makes
Eleni Koumara - @enijewellery
Nonia Jeroh - @craftynolo / @pinkmush_room
London Explored style Radio Script & Cue for broadcast:
CUE:
As the holidays begin many Londoners will be shopping and eating out more over Christmas. Local and independent businesses that sell on street markets are often overlooked or not taken advantage of during the busiest time of the year. Shopping locally is always spoken about but when it comes to Christmas, why is it so important and is London doing enough to support our local markets?
Reporter Aaliyah Harris has the story.
SCRIPT:
You’ll be sure to see popular tourist spots like Oxford Street, Westfields and Winter Wonderland packed with people, experiencing feel good music and festive food. Alongside last-minute shoppers racing to find the perfect gifts in time for Christmas Day.
[CLIP] SHANNON REED
IN: The money that you spend…
DUR: (0:26”)
OUT: …which is really, really important.
Shannon Reed is a part of a collective working to use art forms as a way to discuss mental health. She is the creator of Mockingbird Makes which produces handmade crafts, using knitting, crocheting and cross stitching. All products are available on Etsy.
[CLIP] SHANNON
IN: in supporting each other…
DUR: (0:6”)
OUT: …such an overused phrase.
But what about street markets and specific Christmas shopping events that are run by locals and made for local people…
Etsy is a platform that allows businesses to open a shop and sell to customers online. Etsy Made Local is an event that operates across the UK. Nonia Jeroh started up a North London Etsy event that brings local markets together to sell their products in their very own Christmas market.
[CLIP] NONIA JEROH
IN: I make geometric statement necklaces…
DUR: (0:30”)
OUT: …at being an entrepreneur.
[CLIP] SHANNON REED
IN: Even though I’ve been on Etsy…
DUR: (0:30”)
OUT: …I think it very powerful for people.
This year Visa’s Christmas Ad focuses on local shopping and the hashtag #WhereYouShopMatters which has attracted positive comments online. But questions of why make the effort when you can easily buy everything on the high street are still being asked.
[CLIP] ELENI KOUMARA
IN: I believe that handmade…
DUR: (0:20”)
OUT: …it’s a piece of me.
Buying products from street markets, a lot of the time means purchasing better value for money as gifts can be personalised and have more character. Many sellers like Eni Jewellery produce sustainable and environmentally friendly items. Founded by Eleni Koumara, she explains how her sculptural and handcrafted items are made from recycled silver.
[CLIP] ELENI KOUMARA
IN: So, the difference is…
DUR: (0:10”)
OUT: …people don’t want them.
[CLIP] SHANNON REED
IN: It’s about empowering…
DUR: (0:21”)
OUT: …you might not see in the high street or retail.
This is Aaliyah Harris reporting for City News.