Market traders staying optimistic about reopening

By Brendan Rees

Traders at the Docklands Sunday Market are staying optimistic they will be able to reopen soon and look forward to bringing back the community vibe.

The market, which is popular with independent traders selling everything from locally-made clothing and jewellery to handcrafted goods and delicious food, came to grinding halt when the lockdown was announced in July. 

Eileen Fiederling, who has been running the market at NewQuay Promenade for more than a decade, said the lockdown had been difficult for many traders.

“They’re suffering like everybody, there are people there who depend on it and that’s important,” she said.

“We tried to operate a farmers’ market last year during the restrictions however it was closed by the City of Melbourne [due to stage 4 restrictions] and we were unable to get it started again so have reverted to a regular food and craft market.”

Nadia Despotellis, an owner of scarf and fashion accessories stall Silky Scarves, which she has run at the Docklands Market for the past six years, said she couldn’t wait to see customers face-to-face again.  

“I have scarves, so cold weather for me is optimal … I can’t say it’s thriving like pre-COVID but generally hanging in there as long as I’m able to open my market stall,” she said.

Like many, she has been running her business from home during lockdowns and was totally reliant on her online presence (silkyscarves.com.au), which she said was in the process of being upgraded but was staying positive it would “take off” in the coming weeks.

The Docklands Sunday Market was last held on June 4, with a reopening date to be set once there are no restrictions. It is normally held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 9am to 2pm •

For more information: melbmarkets.com.au