Over 40 craft producers and designer makers based in the Eden District earned R64 000 in sales over the 10 days of the recent Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival – an increase of R20 000 on the previous year. Sales were mainly affordable, low-priced items, with winter warmers such as gloves, snoods and scarves the best-sellers.
This is the third year that the Cape Craft & Design Institute (CCDI) and Knysna Tourism have partnered in settling up a collective shop at the festival, said Craig Carbutt, CCDI Rural Outreach Manager. This endeavour was sponsored for the second time by Pick n Pay and Wesgro, who assisted in providing a well-positioned venue at the bustling main pavilion. Fechters and Timber Village installed some of their furniture in the shop, which gave it a warm, local feel.
The collective shop was run by local ladies Portia Falata, Charmaine May and Peggy Dlephu. “We did not only give visitors what they wanted, we also created an income for three people who needed it,” said Carbutt. “They did a great job selling a wide variety of products in busy, often crowded surroundings.” The shop stayed open throughout the Festival, depending on activities at the pavilion.
The participants were selected from the CCDI database. “This event is becoming very popular for producers as it gives them a small injection of cash in an otherwise difficult winter season,” said Carbutt. “The most challenging thing about setting up the shop is keeping all the craft producers happy. Many become very emotionally attached to their products, and combining a wide variety of items and showing them at their best can be difficult. We aim to give each producer their place, within the limitations we face.”
Carbutt advised local producers to focus on high quality, affordability and authenticity. “Inspired people come up with inspiring concepts and authenticity is always the magic ingredient. This is what people relate to and this area provides the ideal mix and a great opportunity.”
He encouraged Western Cape craft producers and designer makers to tap into the many services and opportunities offered by the CCDI. These range from business and creative workshops to export opportunities and online publications. For example, they could download a free booklet called Growing your Creative Business from the CCDI’s website www.ccdi.org.za. “All the tips and know-how on how to start your business, do market research and get your product ready for market are available there.”
Author: Judy Bryant from Judy Bryant Communications.
More Info link: http://ccdi.org.za
Images: For high res version/s of One image/s please contact: Judy Bryant Communications.
Sales ladies at the CCDI collective shop Photo: Craig Carbutt
CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Check Online Visibility
Verify where this release is currently indexed:
