Tara Murray
A new night market in Keilor is being set up to give local business owners the opportunity to showcase their work.
The Village Night Market is the brainchild of local businesswomen Prue Houston and Jodie Robinson, with the first market set for September 1 at the Keilor Bowls Club.
Ms Houston said the market would give people the opportunity to interact with local businesses.
“There is a small business group operating in Keilor and a few local women who meet monthly,” she said.
“A couple of us have retail-based products and had looked at the idea of having a market. We thought about a Keilor market and getting the community involved. It has gone from there.”
The pair put out a call for local businesses who were interested in being involved last week. Ms Houston said they had been shocked by the response so far.
“I was shocked how many creative little businesses are in the area,” she said. “We can showcase those businesses.
“It’s great for local businesses and we’re looking to have a spread of businesses. We’ve had applications from a broad range of businesses. People who make dog treats, local gyms, baby clothes makers and people who sell tupperware.”
Ms Houston, who runs an online clothing boutique, said they were hoping to cater for everyone with the market.
The group has already booked the bowling club for markets in October and November. Ms Houston said the plan was to hopefully have an ongoing monthly market.
“We’re hoping to have these events every month, but we’ll look to get this one under our belt first and see how things go,” she said.
“If we’ve got too many people for the first market, we’re happy to have a waiting list or lock people in for the other events.”
Applications to be part of the market close at the end of this month.
Details: www.facebook.com/thevillagenightmarketau.
