Meet the mother behind a new pre-loved shopping event that creates community for families

Ma’rket is a community-focused event in Northampton, designed to bring mothers together through sustainable shopping.

Not only does it give local mothers the chance to sell pre-loved children’s items, but enjoy a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere surrounded by like-minded individuals.

The first event had a “fantastic” turnout and the next one is planned for December 8 at Harlestone Village Institute.

The concept was launched three months ago by Olivia Sear, who moved to the town from Stafford two years ago.

When she moved to Northampton, she did not know anyone and went out of her way to meet new people when she fell pregnant.

“I realised that you do need this village that everyone talks about when you fall pregnant and have a baby,” Olivia told the Chronicle & Echo.

“I attended classes to make friends and realised an event like Ma’rket was needed. It’s not so much about the selling of clothes – as there are lots of pre-loved markets out there – but the community piece was missing.”

When asked to describe Ma’rket, Olivia said: “It’s a mum-centric community of like-minded people. It allows you to make friends and have conversations you can’t have with others.

“It isn’t just about the sale of pre-loved clothing, but baby items are also very expensive and kids grow fast. I wasn’t expecting that with my first child.”

Olivia has always had a passion for purchasing items from secondhand platforms, and continued to do that when she fell pregnant.

She came up with this concept late at night when she was feeding her daughter and ran it past her new friendship group of mothers, who encouraged her to go for it.

The first event, hosted at The Cloud Space in Weedon Bec, was attended by 50 people and there were 10 sellers. Olivia says it went “amazingly” and the community feel was just as she hoped.

Each event will be held at a different location, to ensure it is as accessible to as many people as possible.

As part of the ticket price, each attendee receives a coffee, sweet treat and a tote bag of free samples to enjoy. Olivia has worked alongside independent businesses to bring the event to life, which will include a soft play area for mothers to bring their little ones along in December.

Olivia was asked what she would say to the community, to encourage any nervous mothers to visit the next event in December.

“Take it from somebody who created this as they didn’t have the support system,” said Olivia. “You can come alone and people will immediately speak to you. You can have a coffee, enjoy the vibe and be with like-minded people.”

The hope for the future of Ma’rket is to build a bigger community of mothers, and continue working to support vital charities.

The next event is being hosted in support of Baby Basics Northampton, and there will be a charity bin where people can make donations. Attendees can either bring something along, or purchase something at the Ma’rket to give to the charity.

Olivia said: “Community is such a big thing, and when we can give back we should.”

For more information, or to express interest in selling your pre-loved items at a future Ma’rket event, visit the Instagram page here.