After a challenging 18 months in the retail sector, a number of small businesses and creatives who are part of WA’s biggest design market – Perth Upmarket – are saying a big “cheers” to West Australians for supporting and buying local with a Roald Dahl inspired win one of five golden tickets!
Justine Barsley, Director of Perth Upmarket, commented that despite the challenges that COVID-19 brought to many small businesses and the creative sector, there has been continued interest and generous spending at the quarterly events, supporting the survival of many market retailers.
“Many retailers, including myself, were very unsure of how the event industry and small business, creative sector would survive in 2020 and now into 2021,” commented Justine.
“But all of us have been blown away by the successes of last year’s markets – which were done through a mix of virtual and face-to-face events – where many retailers rang up more purchases and/or received interest for commissions much more than they expected.”
“It’s been very heartening to see the West Australian community rallying behind small businesses and choosing to spend and support local, empowering all of our 200 retailers to continue to operate and retain their livelihood and creativity.”
“And now, we want to say a big thank you in our traditional creative and fun way – through a spin the wheel to win one of five golden tickets or other prizes, all donated from our grateful retailers.”
At the Winter Perth Upmarket on Sunday 13 June, a lucky market-goer can spin a prize wheel to win a Golden Ticket worth $50 each to spend at their chosen stall. There are five golden tickets to be won and in addition, the prize wheel will be loaded up with delicious and exciting surprises from stall holders.
Stallholders have gone all out to say their thanks with beautiful handmade, locally made or Perth designed prizes such as Mockingbird Glass stud earrings from Perth glass artist Greg Ash, BBQ Hot Sauce jars from Texas Style Sauces, makeup from Alit Cosmetics, Immuni-Tea caddy from Cinnamon Girl and kids fashion from Little Joy Clothing.
Wembley resident and jeweller Heidi Atchison, of Jet Empire, who is saying thank you by providing her music-inspired earrings in the prize pool, re-iterated how generous West Australians have been, and that this community spirit has certainly helped to ward off some of the devastating impact of a global pandemic on local businesses.
“Like many in the creative and small business sectors, the prospects of closing up shop or not being able to attend events like Perth Upmarket which we rely on for our quarterly brand and financial boost have been daunting,” said Heidi.
“However, whenever there are events, either online or in person, or if we do a sale promotion to our client base, we just keep being amazed at the amount of interest and support. For me, it was so much so that I bit the bullet and opened my shop front in Subiaco during COVID!”
“There’s a tremendous amount of gratitude amongst many of us small businesses and creatives for the West Australian community. And we cannot wait to show our thanks at the upcoming Perth Upmarket.”
The Winter Perth Upmarket will be held at UWA on Sunday 13 June 2021, from 10 am to 4pm. Market goers can continue to enjoy shopping for and dining on locally made products, with the added bonus of finding one of five golden tickets and winning prizes. A full list of retailers can be viewed here.