For lovers of independent shopping, December is an exciting month marking the beginning of the Christmas market season. The SAMPLE Christmas market in Greenwich is a shining example.
Organised by Greenwich Peninsula and Hemingway Design, SAMPLE showcases designers and makers from across the creative spectrum.
Typically known for hosting entrepreneurial events, Greenwich Peninsula will have a more artisanal bent this weekend.
SAMPLE is an independent Christmas market. Photo: SAMPLE
Running from 11am to 7pm on Saturday and Sunday, SAMPLE will host emerging creatives from across London. DJs and Gospel music provide the acoustic backdrop for the weekend, while activities like a Christmas wreath workshop, craft wine tasting or Christmas movie cinema-bus the Vintage Mobile, bring the festivities.
A wide variety of independent makers will be on display: Claire Judge’s silk lingerie and loungewear brand Alöe; Alice Eden’s bespoke jewellery designs; and Che Bespoke Tailoring’s old-fashioned suits.
Lone Design Club (LDC) combines various independent designers who promote alternative fashion and lifestyles. Featuring zero waste clothing, LDC is a more environmentally-conscious design house.
There’s a wide variety of artisnal shops on display. Photo: SAMPLE
Drawing on London’s diverse and multicultural fabric, the market won’t just have traditional Christmas fare. From the traditional, like The Indians Next Door and vegan Caribbean lunch prepared by Marli’s Kitchen, to more environmentally-focused cuisines, like Vegan Shakedown or Omni Collective.
Keep an eye out for Paula the Polar Bear, a life-sized puppet created by Greenpeace, who will be roaming the market this weekend. Paula travels the world campaigning against climate change.
Independent industries are the main focus of SAMPLE. There has been an explosion of independent shops on UK high street since 2017, with a particular increase seen in independent restaurants, cafes and beauty and lifestyle shops.
The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) recently released figures that showed more independent shops opening than closing.
In an age where multinational conglomerates make up a frightening proportion of the economy, SAMPLE is a small victory for lovers of independent shops, where the focus is on more responsible and local consumption.