B&B African market moves to Sandton
SANDTON- Patrons will now have seven days access to the new B&B Sandton Craft Market at Nelson Mandela Square.
Respected as an integral part of the commercial and retail success of micro businesses in South Africa it is set to expand this year and bring on different traders.
According to general manager Vanessa Naidoo, B&B markets were established in 1999. The African Craft Market, now the Sandton Craft Market, responded to a need to assist the informal hawkers in Rosebank by providing them with a formalised trading environment.
Naidoo said, “The hawkers began trading on Cradock Avenue in Rosebank and needed a place to sell, pack and store their products. The government decided to get involved and built an area for informal traders.” Supported by the Department of Arts and Culture, these markets have been welcomed as the most successful development of its kind in South Africa. “This unprecedented upliftment initiative relocated pavement traders to an economically viable alternative that is today the internationally acclaimed Sandton Craft Market,” explained Naidoo.
The market showcases an exquisite selection of African crafts and artefacts. The environment invites consumers to bargain for a price in the true style of the African market experience.
Ben Wanyoni has been trading at the market for three years.
“Tourists love the jewellery boxes, family trees and anything to do with the big five,” said Wanyomi.
He also believes that Sandton will be a better space to trade at because it is a new market and will have new people.
The Sandton Craft Market has strong ties to South Africa’s tourism industry, offering tour operator incentives for local and international groups with secure and convenient access and credit card facilities available on-site.
A corporate gift service offers quality handcrafted items as unique and exciting gift alternatives. They can be branded and personalised to meet individual specifications, budgets and quantity requirements.
“Tourists love the market. They often look for souvenirs to take back home,” said Naidoo.
“B&B Markets believes in the potential to equip entrepreneurs with market skills that will not only deliver personal upliftment; but will also create employment and contribute towards South Africa’s economic growth.”
The market can be found at an old gallery space next to Hard Rock Café on the Square. Stalls trade from 9am to 6pm daily.
Details: www.craft.co.za
