The jolly season means only one thing in these desperate
economic times and that is cheaper, tackier gifts sold by the truckload in
supermarkets and online. It also means more “made in China” tat because as we
have less disposable income, and even less time put up with the scrum that is
Christmas shopping (that’s it I said it).
Paradoxically there are more and more designer makers,
23,000 micro-businesses in the crafts sector according to the Craft Council.
However, most of these people don’t make a living out of their activity. We all
pay for tax credit to top up their income whilst giant corporations and
manufacturers reap the profits from selling their formatted wares made by
underpaid workers in faraway places.
Wouldn’t it make more sense to buy gifts from these small
creative businesses, supporting the local economy and getting an original,
British made item crafted with love and care?
So, for Christmas, why don’t we shift our habits just a
little by visiting local Christmas markets like The Dandy Lion Market and
specialised websites like Etsy and Folksy? You don’t even have to buy anything,
just browse and you will be amazed by the sheer variety of products on sale. You’ll
soon realise that what the big companies offer is far from satisfactory when
you want originality and a fair deal for all concerned.
The special Christmas edition of the Dandy Lion Market will be
held at a fab new venue, The Sir Richard Steele 97 Haverstock Hill, NW3,
between Chalk Farm and Belsize Park. More info here: https://www.facebook.com/dandylionmarket
Please like us on Facebook, it makes a huge difference to
small businesses. Thanks!
