Tag: Jack and Jill Market

Nearly-new market can keep Christmas costs down

NEARLY NEW IS THE “NEW” NEW!

It is reported that the average family can spend up to a whopping £700 at Christmas, while the lowest price expected for a family to pay is £182. The easiest way to save money this Christmas is to shop for quality nearly-new items at your Local Jack & Jill Market.  Thousands of shoppers collectively tell us every month across all our markets about the fantastic savings they have made.

One happy shopper recently told us “This is the sixth Market I have been to, and every time I leave with a bag full of fantastic goodies for my boys which I am putting away for Christmas, I will be all finished soon and will probably have spent under £100”

Our children don’t know or care that an item has been played with and loved before it reaches them, in fact I am sure we can all relate to how they always seem to get more enjoyment playing with toys everywhere else that you go.  If it’s New to them then as far as they are concerned its NEW!

There are lots of reasons why its sensible to shop at The Jack & Jill Market, here are our favourites:

  1. Everything is cheaper – Your money goes a lot further!
  2. Your money stays in the community – You are buying your items from local Families and helping their family budget at the same time as yours!
  3. The Thrill of The Hunt – Scouring the Market for that must have item at an unbeatable price is exciting in a way retail shopping isn’t!
  4. Its Green – Buying nearly new cuts down on the amount going to landfill!
  5. It’s All Under One Roof – Generally you can find everything you might need or want all in the same place and leave with it that very day!

A recent stallholder told us “I am thrilled to have made over £300, that’s money which is going into the Christmas fund and will make a huge difference”

Join us at the very last Jack & Jill Market in 2012 on Sunday 9th December at Meadowbank Stadium from 10:30-1:30.  It’s going to be bursting with bargains to stuff your stockings and treats for under your tree as well as all the rest from start to finish!

Pauline, Jack and Jill Market

Jack and Jill Markets: ‘where smart mums sell and save’

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.

Jack and Jill Market’s Pauline (left) and Cathy

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.