Virtual festive market launches to 'save Christmas' and showcase Northamptonshire traders

A virtual Christmas market to showcase traders who would usually attend festive events has been set up by a Northampton businesswoman.

Sheila Smith is the founder of the Northamptonshire's 'Your Business Expo' and runs online business exhibitions throughout the year.

When it came to light that Christmas markets would not be able to go ahead in full capacity this year, Sheila knew her business expo platform would lend its hand to a virtual Christmas market perfectly.

Along with her team, Sheila set up the online market - called Virtually Christmas, which is free to browse and complete with traders selling everything that is normally found at Christmas markets, such as crafts, games, toys, alcohol gifts, food and more.

All traders are even separated into chalets complete with snow to add to the festivities.

Sheila said: “The idea had been bubbling for a few weeks and then Boris announced lockdown two.

“I realised people had nowhere to trade as Christmas Markets had gone, but I knew my online platform could become an online Christmas market, so that’s what we did.

“We had to work quickly and we worked day and night to save Christmas.

“We all pulled together and we now have 40 traders from all over the country.”

Most of the traders are Northamptonshire-based, independent businesses, however companies across the UK, including in Edinburgh and London, have also signed up.

Chalets, where the companies are found, can also be sponsored by other businesses wishing to support traders who might not be able to afford a pitch.

One such trader is a 14-year-old from Northampton who makes vegetarian dog snacks, which she supplies to the canines at Northamptonshire Police.

Sheila added: “There are all kinds of lovely things on there, which is the spirit of Christmas.

“More than ever it is important to get behind independent traders.

“They are absolute independent warriors as they’ve had nothing this year so they deserve our help and support.”

The market opened on November 20, but more chalets and stalls are still being added.

Since the grand opening, the market has been viewed more than 6,000 times with 55 percent of those views coming from new visitors.

The virtual Christmas market is open until December 21 to ensure all gifts can be posted and received in time for the big day.

Visit the market here.

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