Invest SVG launches first Night Market

Last Friday, Invest SVG created the opportunity for local micro, small, medium and large businesses to display their wares in an open setting at one venue.

The chance came at the inaugural Everything Vincy Night Market held at the Kingstown Vegetable Market.

Some local, woven bags on display from Merle’s Arts and Crafts at the Night Market last Friday.

Addressing the event, Executive Director of Invest SVG Annette Mark said the event gives local businesses and vendors the opportunity to showcase their services and products and at the same time earn an income.

“All are welcomed to take part in this initiative because it is free of cost,” said Mark who added that anyone is invited to come into the market during the event and take a table.

She said the other dates for the night market will soon be announced as this is just the first of many night markets.

Some patrons at Invest SVG’s first Night Market, examining some of the
products on display.

“This event will take place on the last or first Friday or Saturday of each month and by the showing tonight, I expect we will grow from strength to strength,” said the Executive Director.

Also commenting on the event was Chairman of Invest SVG and Executive Director of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce Anthony Regisford.

Regisford said the decision to actively involved the Chamber in the night market is one that speaks to useful collaboration between the two entities.

He said the initiative is meant to give exposure to businesses across the spectrum, micro, small, medium and large in the various sectors including manufacturing, the service sector and the creative sector.

Regisford noted also that the event provides a platform to drive sales for vendors, traders and businesses and is a precursor to the Everything Vincy Plus event.

“Strengthening commerce in our domestic market is an important step for our local producers to be better equipped to exploit regional and international export opportunities,” said Regisford on Friday.

Chairman of Invest SVG and Executive Director of the SVG Chamber of Industry and Commerce Anthony Regisford.

He added that more often than not, a product or service which performs well in the domestic market has a better chance of succeeding on the export side.

“I will like to encourage persons to make use of the opportunity for windfall sales and product and brand recognition,” said Regisford as he endorsed the event. He also encouraged persons to support businesses and traders when the events take place.

Marlon Nanton, accountant at the Kingstown Town Board (KTB) said the market has more than 250 traders and the decision to host the night events in the market was suggested by the KTB.

He added that originally, Invest SVG wanted to do the events on the streets of Kingstown, but the KTB thought it better to use the market.

Last Friday, the night market attracted telecommunications services providers, craftspeople, vegetable vendors, beverage and confectionery makers, clothing sales people, jewellers and a greeting card business.