Why No Markets in January?

Oh, January. The start of a new year, and a socially concise opportunity to set new goals and get a ‘fresh start’. However, in the market realm, I find that it isn’t just January that has people itching to set and achieve new goals. Throughout the year, from stallholders and customers alike, we are asked what markets we will be attending in the new year or where we have been. And the same question arises: Why No Markets in January? Let’s answer that!

A snapshot of our stall at the October 2024 Vine and Dine Event.

January, as previously established, holds a lot of power to set new goals and get a head-start on working towards them, before all of the hype inevitably wears off and the everyday chaos of life works as a distraction. No judgement here – we all fall prey to it at some point!

But in Australia, which is where Accessories by Antoinette is based, January means summer, and summer means blindingly hot weather. That, first and foremost, is the greatest reason for not attending any markets.

Any sensible market organiser has a limit to what weather conditions they will not operate under. Anything over 30°C (86°F) is pushing it – and anything over 35°C (95°F) is unbearable. I don’t cope with hot weather on my days off; and to be setting up and/or packing down from events in that sort of weather is a recipe for disaster.

It poses a safety concern for heatstroke, for customers and stallholders, and as a personal note, I would be spending most of the day using up box after box of tissues from weather-related nosebleeds. It wouldn’t be a fun or productive time for anyone visiting our stall!

Outside of the problematic weather, there are other reasons why we don’t attend any markets in January.

Our stall at the Blakes Crossing Market.

Most of our markets occur during the early weeks of the month. For example, the One Tree Hill Country Market is the first Saturday of the month, and the Blakes Crossing Market follows suit as the first Sunday of the month.

Taking January 2023 as an example, the Blakes Crossing Markets would have fallen on the 1st of January. Many people would have been up late at night counting down the new year – and I highly doubt anyone would be keen to attend a market after a late night of celebration! For those reasons, most markets aren’t held during the first few weeks of the year.

And even if they were, we wouldn’t attend them anyway! The truth is: December is exhausting.

I love markets, and I never want to stop attending them. But December often has us attending a minimum of five markets, and there are up to an additional nine markets across October and November in the lead up to the holiday season. It’s a lot of markets, on top of life outside of business.

A snapshot of our shawls (and Jules' Joules' shawl in the centre) at the One Tree Hill Country Market.

Between shop updates, two troublesome cats, ongoing health issues and work and priorities outside of running a small business, we find January is the opportune time to relax, reflect and recover after a bustling year of markets. It gives us time to regroup, work on new things and add to our stock. And the period to relax also helps us to avoid burn out and spend time with friends and family!

We also understand that December is a busy and expensive time for all of you, and we believe that our loyal customers and hardworking market organisers deserve a break from physical events just as much as we do!

Taking January off from markets is a win-win for everyone, and a part of Accessories by Antoinette’s yearly routine that we will not change. With six busy markets in December 2024, we have been thoroughly enjoying the chance to sit back and relax. We have had the opportunity to finish some household renovations, get on top of some appointments (for humans and furry friends alike) and have a breather from an intense year.

Our table of clearance pendants from the 2024 Magill Sunrise MEGA Xmas Market.

We look forward to returning to markets again soon, and can’t wait to show you all what new goodies we have in store for you!

What are your thoughts on markets in January? Do you appreciate the break? Is January too hot for you? Or are you determined enough to push through the hot weather for a stall? I would love to know your thoughts!

Happy new year!

Kimberley (they/them)

Accessories by Antoinette