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Meet Sarah Harkness who is a regular at the Avenue Vintage and Antique Market.

Tell us a bit about you and what you have on your stall Sarah!

Apparently my sister and I used to set up a stall on the corner of our street on a Sunday to catch people as they came out of church. I was about 5 and she was 7! Back then it was little knick-knacks, now it’s:

Fabric (and lots of it!!): Vintage, plus some out-of-print/hard-to-find modern designer fabric (Kaffe Fassett, Philip Jacobs, Amy Butler to name a few) and quite a lot of Liberty at the moment.

Haberdashery bits and some hand-sewn items (cushions, pin cushions, etc.).

Books (lots of classics, many of which are decorative editions) and a good range of vintage Ladybirds.

Small items of furniture: some Indian antiques, trunks, cupboards, etc. and other decorative items. (suitcases, hat tins, etc).

How did you get interested in your vintage fabric?

I came across a beautiful book about quilts by Jane Brocket a few years ago which prompted me to take a sewing course. Before that fabric hadn’t really been on my radar, but it certainly is now! Having a stall allows me to buy lots of it.

Why did you choose to trade at The Avenue Vintage and Antiques Market?

I’d been a regular visitor and buyer since it started up. It has a great mix of stallholders and a really good atmosphere.

What’s your market day routine?

I get up at about 5.45. Luckily I’m very local, so although it’s an early start, it could be worse. Sometimes I have so much stock that two trips are required, so I try to get there by 7.30 with my first load, then my husband goes back for the second while I set up.

What are the benefits of selling directly to the public at this market?

Increasingly many people buy online, but with antique and vintage items there is no substitute for seeing, feeling and smelling(!) them. I like the immediacy of it. It’s also nice to know that people love the things I sell. I’ve had lots of wonderful conversations and, one year in, I have regular customers.

What are your top tips for running a market stall?

Buy or make things you love.

Make sure that you choose the right market for your stock.

Lay out everything at home in advance to make sure you’ve got enough space for your stock, or enough stock for your allocated space!

Make sure everything is priced. Some people don’t like to ask how much things are. With vintage/antique markets people will often haggle, but the price tag gives a starting point. If the price on the tag is your best price, don’t be afraid to say so.

Take lots of change, refreshments (it’s hungry/thirsty work), and more layers than you think you’ll need.

My top tip for autumn/winter stalls outside is cardboard to stand on – it makes a huge difference!

As it’s the first market of the year this Saturday, I’m going to start with a sale. Come and grab a bargain!