New online market will link Albany community to creatives and small businesses

A new platform for small businesses to sell their products to the community has emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Albany Online Market will take these businesses, artists and craftspeople into cyberspace to sell their product. The online space is set up like a market, where people can browse stalls and make purchases from their home for pick up or delivery. While physical markets are coming back, online market co-ordinator Kate Ryan-Taylor said the new platform would give vendors more options for selling, especially if restrictions returned. “While it is the first time that we have done an online market this way, it was an idea that formed from the cancellation of local events and the need for a positive outlet where we could come together and share our wares,” she said. “Many small businesses, artists and stallholders have been impacted by all the events that have been cancelled and stores not being open. Many people are still choosing to minimise their contact with others and this has impacted stores and stallholders also. Going online means that we are providing a solution and the opportunity to connect with people throughout the entire community.” She said they planned to make buyers feel connected with the person behind the product. “We will be promoting businesses throughout the online markets — highlighting people, stories, products and helping get the word out encouraging people to buy with and support these local businesses,” she said. “There is room for online workshops, live events as well as an online shop and we believe it will become a key place for people to gather online and support local.” The markets are a collaborative project by Green Skills Albany, Down to Earth Life and Business Designs, Vancouver Arts Centre and the City of Albany. The first market is live at 10am on Sunday.