* How long has your market been running?
Since 2003. It is the original and biggest market of its kind. It started as one market in Hawthorn VIC and very quickly grew from there. We now have 30 locations across Australia and hold 130 markets annually.

* What made you decide to start the market?
The Baby & Kids Market was founded by a Melbourne mum of three when she saw how much ‘stuff’ had been accumulated, and then wondered what to do with it all when the kids no longer needed it, as it was still in such good condition.

The market was started with the philosoophy that we all want great quality for our children, but we don’t want to waste money and we really want to contribute to reducing waste in our society. The Baby & Kids Market was designed to offer all that, and a fun day out as well!

* Type of products sold at your market?
Baby & Kids Market has pre-loved as it’s primary offer. Strict quality control means the products look, and often are, as good as new, price savings are exceptional, and new parents can get friendly information and advice from other parents.

Additionally every market location also includes a selection of unique businesses, mainly started by work-at-home Mums, selling new goods also. This includes hand-crafted goods, baked goods, and boutique clothing and decor.

* Number of stalls at your markets?
Subject to the location, we have from 35 right up to 108 stalls! We always use indoor locations to make shopping comfortable no matter what the weather outside!

Three times a year in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane we also hold larger events called “Mums Big Day Out”. These feature 75-108 of the pre-loved and new stalls that every knows and loves, but have the added bonus of free samples from big brands, product demonstrations, and loads of free entertainment for the kiddies.

*Locations and how often your markets run?
I feel like Lucky Starr singing his famous song “I’ve been everywhere, man”, and funnily enough many of our locations are the same!

So here goes, (in no state order) we’ve been to Wollongong, Geelong, Rosehill, Hurstville, Kellyville, Morphettville, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Central Coast, Flemington, and Launceston.

I’ve run out of rhymes!…Belmont, Berwick, Blackburn, Canberra, Coburg, Croydon, Five Dock, Hobart, Jindalee, Lane Cove, Malvern , Moorabbin, Newcastle, North Beaches, North Brisbane, Penrith, South Brisbane, South Fremantle, Sutherland and Warwick. Can I breathe now?

There are between 3 and 8 markets at each location throughout the year.

* Anything else you’d like to share about your market?
It’s great fun and very rewarding to be a ‘marketeer’. The feedback we get from people is just lovely – from families with lots of kids trying to make ends meet, to the Mum who suddenly found herself having to flee domestic violence and starting a new life but still wanting her child to have everything, through to the stallholders who are so grateful they can come and sell their items without having to photograph them all, monitor an auction and then get to the post office!

The Baby & Kids Market is a real community event that benefits so many people in so many ways, and the world by recycling. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, doesn’t it?!

Megan Flower