Local mums Pauline Macmillan and Cathy Uttley attended our very first NENgage session. They explain what their quality nearly-new baby and children’s market is all about:
Never more than in these challenging financial times have savvy mums and dads sought out innovative ways to make and save money, while providing the very best for their little ones. Jack and Jill Markets are a Not for Profit, Community Interest Organisation committed to helping families in their local community make and save money. They are monthly markets aimed at children aged 0-9.
Cathy and Pauline explained: “While eBay and gumtree offer financially astute parents ways to buy and sell second-hand goods, they are not without their drawbacks. Searching the internet for each individual item at the right price and in the right location is a time-consuming business and then you just have to hope that it arrives in acceptable condition. Jack & Jill offers a welcome return to the old-fashioned shopping experience; shoppers can see and touch the goods and enjoy friendly service all in a vibrant atmosphere. On the other side of the counter sellers get to see their kids nearly new items go to good homes while making some welcome cash – some have made over £500.”
When the women experienced their first market, they knew immediately they wanted to get involved. Pauline said: “With two young kids of my own, I immediately recognised the difference Jack & Jill could make to local parents.”
So when the opportunity to become Marketing & Events Managers for Edinburgh presented itself, the girls jumped at it!
As both Cathy and Pauline are full-time mums, they are delighted that their new roles offer the flexibility to manage their own business schedules alongside family commitments, and so far they are doing a great job. At their first market as Managers, they welcomed an unprecedented 805 shoppers through the doors of Meadowbank Stadium.
Cathy added: “We really can’t stress what a fabulous initiative this is. If you’ve got kids or grandkids, you can’t afford to miss our next market. We are in Edinburgh on a monthly basis with 60 stalls bursting with brilliant bargains from cots, car seats and buggies to clothes, equipment and toys. We’re really proud of what we’re doing with Jack & Jill”.
To sign up for market alerts to make sure you don’t miss out, visit their website: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk
The next market takes place at Meadowbank Stadium on Sunday 23 September, Adults £1 entry, children free.
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