Rushing from store to store, looking for just the right gifts for each of your loved ones while jostling with the festive crowd. If that’s how your Christmas shopping normally looks like, it doesn’t have to be this way. Enter The Marketplace Collective 2024, a returning free-to-enter flea market brought to you by bazaar organisers T. Cartel.
This year’s edition, which has been given a festive Christmas theme in recognition of the holiday season, is set to be bigger than ever before, with more than 300 lifestyle, craft, homeware, fashion, pets and snack stalls gathered at the 4,240-square-metre Hall A of Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.
Yes, that means you’ll be able to do all of your shopping indoors, sheltered from the seasonal rainstorms and shrouded in comfy air-conditioning.
The market will run for just one weekend from November 30 to December 1, though you’ll probably find that’s more than long enough to satisfy plenty of your Christmas shopping needs. After all, the event is significantly larger than last year’s edition, which counted around 200 stalls in total.
Expect a variety of crafts, jewellery and even pet treats at this shopping extravaganza. For updates on participating vendors, check out T.cartel’s socials (you can stay updated via its Instagram page), though we can probably make a rough guess based on last year’s roster which included both homegrown entrepreneurs just starting out on their journey such as home-based artisans selling crafts like jewellery, soft toys, pouches and stickers, and established brands from local influencers.
Normally, you’d be pretty hard pressed to discover all of these bijou creators on your own, making this an exciting opportunity not only to score unconventional gifts for the loved ones who’ve made a difference to your life this year, but also to uncover hidden Singaporean gems worth spending your hard-earned moolah on.
The festive retail line-up is supported by decorations worthy of the yuletide season and a matching photobooth to boot. There’ll also be game booths, live performances, roaming emcees and most importantly, F&B stalls peddling Insta-worthy grub to keep the whole family entertained, well-fed and energised across the two-day extravaganza.
There’ll even be a lucky draw with a minimum spend of $100 – along with a sure-win lucky dip when you spend $200 – to make sure that all visitors leave happy with their purchases.
Here are the brands and shops you can find at The Marketplace Collective:
- @mayzday (handmade earrings)
- @yoursewmate (apparel)
- @buibuicandles (food-themed candles)
- @Etherealgift (jewellery)
- @Liu.vintage ((jewellery)
- @ehnamo.pin and @franzworldcollection (crafted pins, badges, keychains)
- Verterra Botanicals @verterrasg (soaps and essential oils)
- @twentyfourtysix (hoodies)
- De Rosa (ceramic pieces)
- @vcube_scenting (essential oils)
- @theinitialj (jewellery)
- Timeless market (watches)
- @tsukisoap (soap)
- @myun.co (art, merchandise, stationery)
- @pawfurry.sg (pet treats and accessories)
- @philifala_crochet (crochet items)
- @pressnails.sg (press-on nails)
- @feintasy (handmade genuine crystal jewellery, accessories, Moru dolls)
The Marketplace Collective takes place on Nov 30 and Dec 1, 2024, at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Hall A. For more information, visit here. To book a stall, visit here.
