With Asda reporting that the average spend for each child this Christmas is reaching £312, the sound of parents bank accounts groaning can be heard across the county. Parents need not fear though as the army of Nearly-new sales coming to the area offer a great solution to the strain on the family finances.
Jessamine Hislop-Newton a busy mum of 4 started Little Pickles Markets over 2 years ago when she realised there was a gap in the market for selling good quality children’s items. “I was having a good clear out of my children’s items to raise some extra cash but was getting very frustrated by selling on eBay and early morning car boots. I felt like I was almost giving away quality items that still had loads of life left in them” Jess recalled, now Little Pickles arrange successful markets with items normally on sale ranging from toys, pushchairs, baby equipment, books, clothes and much more.
With parents returning to buying timeless traditional toys such as dolls houses, kitchens and wooden train sets the markets offer an ideal way to get the toys you’re looking for without the huge price tag.
Christchurch Mum of 2, Frances Hearn said “We love our mornings out at Little Pickles, my son always finds toys what he wants and I can relax because I know he can get an armful of toys for less than what we end up paying for one thing in the toy shops. Neither of us are worried if they’re second hand as the toys have always been good quality and he’s happy he doesn’t have to take off all the packaging!”
Joanne Dewberry, Dorset Business Mum of the Year 2010 and mum of 3 said “I was so impressed with the previous Little Pickles Market I attended, I left laden down with bargains both stocking fillers and clothing with out breaking the bank. The atmosphere was really friendly and the event so well organised that I jumped at the chance to showcase Charlie Moo’s there at Christmas.“
Join them on Sunday December 2nd between 10am-12 noon for Little Pickles Christmas Market at the Littledown Centre which will not only have all the money saving pre-loved stalls, but will also have Christmas gifts available from local business’. To make it extra special for the children there will be a visit from Father and Mother Christmas, a soft play area, festive craft activities and free face painting!
Nearly new sales are great. There are countless FB groups that do this and it’s so much cheaper xx