Stoke Newington’s vegan market is helping its sellers cope with lockdown COVID restrictions by promoting small businesses on social media.
Be The Future Vegan Market, which normally takes place in Abney Public Hall, was forced to cancel four upcoming markets due to COVID-19 safety restrictions. The physical market last took place on 10 October.
Founder Terry Filisetti Yoshinaga then turned to Instagram to promote the small businesses that would usually have their physical stalls at the market.
“It was very hard for the traders,” said Yoshinaga. “It was all unsure when we would be able to come back with our Vegan Market, so we needed to keep going to help all traders with their small businesses.”
After a week of online promotion through Be The Future’s Instagram, some business owners say they have noticed a difference.
“I’ve had some new followers and some more traffic on my website,” said Suprina Hilaire, CEO of MSA Skincare.
Similarly, Gosia Niedzwiedzka of GN-Jewellery explained that “since the promotion on Instagram stories, I have gotten a number of new followers, followed by a few sales.”
Traders have praised Be The Future for their helpful actions during lockdown.
“It’s great that they have adapted to still bring vegan products to the community and support makers during these times,” said Kirsty Jones of market stall Coconuts For You.
The weekly online market takes place in Be The Future’s Instagram stories (@bethefuture_market) on Thursdays from 10 am to 12 pm.
