Rochdale's Teenage Markets with Switch Stitch Crochet

We asked Switch Stitch Crochet to share their experience of taking part in Rochdale's Teenage Markets. 

Have a read below. 

My experience of taking part in the Teenage Markets has been extremely positive and fun so far! Initially, I was looking for a way to launch my crochet business and first heard about the market through Instagram. My friend, who also runs a crochet business called NeoArtitude, and I decided to give it a go together. The whole process required a lot of planning, and I was a bit nervous about things like how much stock I should make, how much space I’d have, and how to present myself both as a person and as a business. I kept wondering: how could I make sure everything went smoothly and efficiently?

I was determined to put myself out there and gain some brand recognition, hoping to create a name for my business. At the same time, I started creating content to boost my social media presence, hoping that it would lead to greater visibility.

Before the market days, my friend and I attended the training sessions, which turned out to be super helpful. The sessions were flexible in terms of scheduling, and the information provided was really easy to understand. It was great to know what to expect going into the day. The training also allowed market holders to meet each other beforehand, which helped build a sense of community. We got to know people from different businesses and were able to share ideas, which helped us feel more prepared and connected. It was also a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, and that networking was invaluable when it came to growing our businesses and social media followings. Another amazing thing about the markets is that they are held all over England, meaning you don't have to travel far for all events but they come to you. The training sessions are also held in the same town as the market is, meaning it can be local for both events.

The staff were also very considerate about other factors that may affect the market, such as weather, the local surroundings, environments and more. I was advised on what to bring, how, and even what to wear in terms of weather. However even if you were to be unprepared, the staff are always happy to help, which is extremely comforting to know at the age range of the markets.

In terms of preparation for the markets, I was definitely excited but also a bit overwhelmed. I made plenty of stock, printed business cards, created posts for the event, and made sure to plan my stall setup. On the day of both markets, there was plenty of time for us to set up our stalls, and we had the freedom to run our businesses in the way we saw fit. We also had ample time to pack up at the end of the day. Throughout the whole process, the staff were extremely supportive, answering any questions we had and providing helpful advice when needed. The training sessions proved to be especially useful on the day, and I found that many of the tips and insights we received earlier in the process played a key role in making the market days go smoothly. It was also really encouraging to meet some previous market holders who had grown their businesses and were willing to share their experiences and successes.

The markets went incredibly well, and I saw positive outcomes in terms of sales, brand recognition, socializing, and gaining followers. The experience inspired me to pursue more markets in the future, take my content creation more seriously, and even start accepting commissions outside of the market environment.

If you're thinking about taking part in these markets, I would absolutely recommend it. The risk is minimal, and it’s a great opportunity to identify any areas of your business that might need improvement. You’ll also get the chance to network with other like-minded, aspiring young entrepreneurs. These markets provide a unique space where you can operate and sell your products, something that might be difficult to find elsewhere. Many other markets charge a fee for space without providing the same level of training or support, leaving you with more room for mistakes and potential risks. Here, the staff are extremely helpful, and the training ensures you’re well-prepared.

My advice would be that even if your first market doesn’t go as planned, don’t get discouraged. Each experience is a learning opportunity, and you’ll only improve as you go. In my first market, I made three sales, but in the second market, I made over ten, and each market provided valuable insights and lessons that I’m grateful for. Additionally, I was able to create a lot of content during these events, which helped with my social media presence.

I will definitely continue participating in these teenage markets for as many as are coming in the future, and I highly recommend them to young teenagers with big aspirations. These markets have made turning a hobby into a fun event — and even a small side hustle — incredibly easy. It's a fantastic opportunity to seize, and I encourage anyone with a creative passion to give it a try!

Find out more about the Teenage Markets including how to get involved or attend here.