We are back and celebrating in style!

July 28, 2020

General Collective Lifestyle & Design Market returns to ASB Showgrounds on Sunday 16 August for their first big market of the year.

General Collective has been providing a launching pad for up and coming New Zealand designers and creatives since 2014. Not only have the events of 2020 given some creatives the push they needed to step into the arena, but the movement towards supporting local has exploded.

Rose Barbarich, founder of General Collective says this perfect storm has resulted in a market line-up jam-packed with exciting new Kiwi brands making their debut and market-goers hungry to get amongst home-grown brands.

“The support we have received over the past few months for New Zealand makers has been incredibly positive – watching the country rally behind creatives and small business owners and support each other has been really inspiring,” she says.

Debut brands include Mumma Jo’s who rescue nana’s old carpets from landfill and repurpose them into gorgeous rugs, Timaru based designers MNTN with their range of caps and tees with a distinct NZ look and feel and Juniper Perfume hand-blended, botanical fragrances crafted, bottled and packaged in rural Raglan. The lineup is carefully curated to ensure there’s something to peak everyone’s interest.

“The quality of creatives coming through and wanting to be part of General Collective is really exciting. We pride ourselves on creating a market experience that is really unique and part of what keeps people coming back is the quality of our stall holders – it’s a real thrill to be able to support these up and coming New Zealand businesses,” says Rose.

Sarah Withers from A Little Wild who create eco kids toys and play experiences says she is excited about making their General Collective debut. “We feel really privileged to be a part of the market. We strongly believe that buying from local businesses and supporting local creators is one of the best things you can do for New Zealand's economy and for the planet,” she says.

With 250 stalls, market favourites include Auckland based fashion designers Ribbon on a Bombshell, gorgeous handcrafted homewares and treasures from Claybird Ceramics and contemporary jewellery by Love Winter.

There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained including free kids activity and LEGO stations dotted throughout the venue.

General Collective also take refuelling seriously, so you’ll find great coffee by local roasters, a wine bar to quench your thirst and some of Auckland’s best street food vendors including Taco Loco, The Rolling Pin, Temaki Truck and Noodlechick, creators of fresh gluten-free, plant-powered noodles.

Come and see the difference!

Written by Catriona Montalvo.

Ecology & Co | Shop Local | General Collective