Goodwood market offers thrifty shopping

The entrance to the Goodwood Fashion and Thrift Market at the Goodwood Sports Club

The Goodwood Fashion and Thrift Market started as a group of people coming together to sell unwanted clothes. Now it’s a full market, selling books, spices, socks, kitchenware and more.

The monthly market’s organiser, Tamerrin Dixon, started it four years ago at the Goodwood civic centre, and for the past two years it has been held at the Goodwood Sports Club.

“When we started, it was all about fashion, selling second-hand clothing. That was the aim. But traders started asking about old kitchenware they had, or garden stuff they don’t use and that’s how it evolved to this,” said Ms Dixon.

There’s an average of 46 vendors at a market.

“There’s five of us that are involved in the managing of this market. We have to arrange their locations, inside the hall or outside the hall; we do advertising, marketing, the layout; and also deal with the different personalities, but it’s enjoyable,” said Ms Dixon.

Goodwood market organiser Tamerrin Dixon.

“It’s a fun day out for everyone, organisers and the vendors who sell goods, while making some money. It’s really a fun social experience.”

Edith Paulsen, of Kuils River, sells embroidered towels, face cloths, socks and gifts. She makes her living from being a market vendor so lockdown was especially hard for her.

“But we are back here, and I’m enjoying it. It’s an outing for me, and it’s been a part of my life since I’m 5 years old,” said Ms Paulsen, who will be 70 at the end of May.

“My second-eldest sister taught me how to knit when I was 5, and we have been coming to these markets since then. I meet old friends at these markets, and it’s really a joy to be out here among people selling my goods.”

Edith Paulsen has been selling embroidery at the Goodwood market since 2019.

Jolanda Oldale was retrenched from her job as a warehouse manager due to Covid-19 and is grateful for the opportunities she has found at the market.

“I am in the process of adopting a toddler, she is 18 months, Sophia, and if all goes well I should have the money to pay for this adoption process,” said Ms Oldale.

“I’ve been doing markets for about four years and the lockdown pushed me to give more focus to this job. I do enjoy doing this, and it feels good to be able to speak to people.”

Jolanda Oldale arranging her goods for sale.

A first-time vendor, Emma van Vuuren, was selling clothing ahead of relocating to Hong Kong.

“I got a teaching job in Hong Kong, so that’s why I am here, to get rid of things that I won’t use, and I have good quality clothes. I can’t take all of it with me.

“One of my friends introduced me to this market, and I must say it’s organised. The people are friendly, and it’s an enjoyable experience.”

First-time vendor Emma van Vuuren at the Goodwood market.
Some clothing items go for as little as R50.
There’s a little something for everyone at the market.