It’s hard to ignore the fact that shopping locally has
had a huge surge in popularity recently, and harder still to ignore the multiple
benefits that this generates. Buying from local businesses not only helps to
sustain a thriving economy but also brings more opportunities and awareness to the
town, which in turn creates a more comfortable environment for its inhabitants.
On a more basic level, it’s also good to support people who are using their skills
and time to produce unique items and delicious foods, especially when these are
really affordable! So next time you’re tempted to head to Etsy in a panicked
bid to find a unique gift for the friend whose birthday you’d forgotten about,
try and remember to consider options which are much closer to home!
Despite being a small town, Durham’s indoor market is
well-known by both locals and those further afield. Open from 9am Monday to
Saturday, the market is home to more than 40 stalls which sell a range of
produce, from food and baked goods to key cutting services. As a student, it’s
easy just to look for the cheapest deal when shopping – however, lots of the
stalls do offer student discounts, and buying from the market traders helps to strengthen
the local economy, as much of the produce is either sourced or grown locally.
It’s also a good way of doing your bit for the environment, particularly if you
choose to buy your veg unpackaged from the greengrocer's stall (which does give a student discount) instead of Tesco's!
In addition to this, the Durham weekly market takes
place every Saturday, with stalls ranging from vintage clothing to fudge. It’s
almost impossible to miss, with the market attracting both locals and visitors
who come to purchase baked goods and hand-made gifts. There is also the
Farmer’s and Produce Market which comes to Durham on the third Thursday of the
month, and opens from 9.30 am.
As we head into the festive season, the Christmas
Market is coming to town this weekend, from Friday through to Sunday. Open from
9am-5pm, the marketplace will be full of traders selling everything from
homewares to donuts. Even if it’s just to buy a one-off Christmas gift – or
even to treat yourself with a vegan cupcake after a hard week of summative
writing – the market is a fantastic option to bear in mind whatever the
occasion.
By Lucy Lloyd
By Lucy Lloyd
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