Canberra's latest market is bringing back late night shopping with flair

Ever get the urge to do a late-night peruse but feel like Canberra’s after-hours shopping scene is somewhat lacking?

Save for braving the crowds at major shopping centres on Friday nights (each to their own), chances are your options have been pretty limited since the pandemic.

Luckily, Vinnies Dickson has surged forward to break the close-at-4:30 mould. Already dubbed a ‘thrifter’s paradise’, the team opened the first ever Vinnies Laneway Market this month beside their store on Woolley Street, injecting extra nighttime retail therapy into Canberra.

Taking inspiration from vintage Parisian markets and contemporary laneways found in Sydney and Melbourne, staff and volunteers have worked hard to deck out the space with twinkling lights, hanging bicycles and all manner of quirky décor.

It’s a palpable atmosphere, brought further into being by themed music and the nearby chatter of Woolley Street’s busy nightlife.

Sophia Brady, retail marketing manager at Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn, is excited to see the new venture reach its full potential as a popular after-hours shopping destination.

“Vinnies Dickson is lucky enough to be in a prime inner-city location next to a spacious undercover laneway,” she says.

“We decided to take advantage of such a great spot and set up our own Laneway Market filled with treasures that have been specifically curated for a late-night shopping experience.

“The plan is to run the market on Friday nights through to the end of summer, but there’s certainly scope to continue something similar depending on demand.”

Vinnies’ Laneway Market works alongside the Vinnies Dickson shop, which is open for late-night shopping on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Just some of the treasures ready to be uncovered at the market include retro furniture, vintage fashion, eclectic homewares and unique art.

Sophia says it’s the perfect spot to unwind after dinner at one of the many restaurants nearby, and you never know what you might find.

“We’ve worked really hard to present some of our most interesting, high-quality items here that also stick with our vintage theme.

“Some of the best picks I’ve come across include a pair of French designer shoes, a classy trench coat, old-school boardgames, statement lamps and centrepieces, and a gorgeous crystal decanter.

“It’s a true thrifter’s paradise that has the added benefit of being affordable and helping reduce the amount of fashion waste going to landfill.”

Best of all, opting to purchase quality second-hand goods from Vinnies also helps support their important community initiatives.

The organisation runs a number of critical programs that help supply vulnerable Canberrans with food, housing, clothing and essentials, as well as mental health support, education and emergency relief services.

“Around 70 per cent of our programs run without government funding, including those for disadvantaged youth and our Night Patrol vans,” Sophia says.

“Raising funds in our stores is a vital part of keeping our programs running. When you shop with us, you aren’t just getting a good deal; you’re supporting the good work our staff and volunteers do in the ACT and surrounding communities every single day of the year.”

The Vinnies Laneway Market is located at 1/9 Woolley Street, Dickson. The market will run on Friday nights from 5:30 to 8:30 pm until the end of the summer season.

Original Article published by Morgan Kenyon on Riotact.