New one-stop flea market stall shop coming to Mbombela soon
The new edition to Mbombela and the Lowveld’s array of markets, the Anything Goes Family Market, will have its grand opening on December 9.
For the first time ever, Mbombela will soon have its own permanent indoor flea market. This is the brainchild and long-time dream of Natasha Koekemoer, a well-known organiser of flea markets in the city under her brand, Anything Goes Family Market.
“One of the biggest setbacks for any entrepreneur when dreaming of having their own little shop, is the setup costs,” says Koekemoer. For months now she has been investigating the possibility of setting up a one-stop flea market where entrepreneurs could set up a permanent store. “And that at very affordable rent.”
Her dream came true while setting up a flea market in the parking area at the City Centre’s complex, where Abeega Roadhouse and Food Lover’s Market are situated.
“It was an extremely hot Lowveld day, and I was looking around for a shady spot to put up my stall. That was when I saw an empty shop on the first floor of the complex. I went to take a look and immediately realised my search was over. Behind the closed doors was a massive empty shop with 552m² floorspace as well as an undercover veranda of 92m².”
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Within a few days, the deal to lease the shop was signed, sealed and delivered. Inside the shop, 30 permanent 3m² shops, which can be locked, were erected. The stallholders can also request electricity points, which will be fitted with prepaid meters. In the centre, 10 pop-up shops (clusters of four tables) will be set. There will also be a resting area with tables and chairs where shoppers can linger while enjoying the food and drinks they bought. Those entrepreneurs who only want to trade on the weekend, can make use of one of the 10 pop-up stalls on the veranda.
“The indoor market will only allow four food and drink stalls. I will endeavour to only allow one stall of each type of product.” The rental for permanent stalls is R2 000 per month, a table cluster inside is R600 per month and the veranda pop-up stalls are R150 per day.
The market will operate from 10:00 to 18:00 every day, and will have its grand opening on December 9.
Enquiries: Koekemoer on 073 234 7037.
