New market opens for kids

Kids are the best thing in the world, but cost the earth. Most families welcome any chance to make savings on children's essentials like clothes and toys, so head down to the inaugural Tauranga Kids Market this Sunday at Memorial Hall where you can grab yourself a bargain as well as find unique items.

The market has been developed by Caroline Olson and assisted by Anna Gooding, both who have two-and-a-half year old boys.

As busy mothers themselves, they saw a gap for such a market in the Bay.

"We thought it was time for Bay Of Plenty to have a specialised market targeted for families."

There will be some 60 stall holders ranging from individuals selling clothing to local businesses.

Products will be for children from newborn to 10-years-old.

One of the stall holders is Papamoa local Vicki Reid who is selling her range of designer girls' clothing Olive. Vicki, who is mum of two girls herself, already has a stall at Little Big Markets in the Mount.

She welcomed the idea of a market focusing purely on children.

"Markets are very 'now'. Everyone is conscious of what money they are spending, whether they are a seller or a buyer. But more than that, it is a way to buy locally and for the community to really connect with each other. There is a real lean towards people wanting to slow down, to get back to basics and buy artisan stuff which they know where it came from. Markets just suit this trend perfectly."

Another stall holder is Suzanne Keoghan from Decades of Toys who is travelling to Tauranga from her home in Auckland to sell her retro toys.

"It's great that Tauranga is establishing a kids market. Even in Auckland the kids markets mostly cater for babies and toddlers whereas this one is for older kids too.

"Markets are a way people can discover original items."

There will also be seminars at the market from 10.30am to 11pm, with this Sunday's seminar hosted by Naturally Chiropractors who specialise in a holistic approach for children.

"There is also plenty to keep the kids entertained so bring them along. There will be face painting and music, food and ice cream, as well as a quiet area for breastfeeding and changing," says organiser Caroline.

As the market is indoors it will run rain or shine but Caroline says the fact that the venue is located next to Memorial Park is another draw for families.

Caroline said the market would be run regularly approximately every second month, with the next market on July 29.

The Fine Print

What: The Kids Market
When: Sunday June 10, 9am to 1pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre (Memorial Hall), Eleventh Ave, Tauranga