The Artisan Market Cornwall in Truro Cathedral. (Photo credits: Charli Li)
With the buzz of Christmas starting to surface around again, the joy of visiting Christmas markets and artisan markets becomes a key event for some shoppers and as more and more people are wanting to find unique gifts, the shift from shopping and gift finding online to shopping locally and supporting local makers is starting to grow.
After speaking to Sinead O’Connor (@cornish_jewllery_studios on Instagram), a local jeweller and one of the organisers of Artisan Markets Cornwall, who shared her concerns for wanting the people of Cornwall to start thinking about who they should shop with. Sinead explained to The Mouth that. “You’re supporting local people rather than it going to some faceless billionaire who doesn’t care about the community or who the people are making these amazing pieces.” The rise of AI generated adverts for gifts has created a worry for how authentic something is when ordering gifts online which was translated by some of the market attendees
“You just can’t beat meeting the person who has put all their hard work, effort and skill into these incredible gifts!” Says Nathan (@nathanhenton on Instagram), a craftsman and visitor of the markets.
It is becoming more important to buyers to understand where gifts and presents are coming from and who is really making them, rather than caving into the online shopping relm.
Christmas markets aren’t just places to buy some beautiful gifts, they are an experience for everyone to enjoy and see. It’s just a bonus you get the chance to support small businesses and traders in the process!