What happens when two ethically-minded and sustainable businesses put their heads together for a collaboration to spark community engagement?  

You get the Islington Flea Market – a line-up of preloved and vintage clothing thoughtfully curated by The Conscious Exchange and Jack Jack, accompanied by tunes, local eats and $6 drinks.

Happening at Jack Jack located across from Stoned Saint Moon Islington, expect clothing from local sellers and some from further afield. 

Emma from The Conscious Exchange and Kate from Jack Jack have carefully chosen twelve sellers who align with their slow business ethos.

“It’s sellers who do this for a living, it’s their bread and butter, it’s what they love. For instance we have Ella from Found Store, who’s got really androgynous, wearable pieces, and Handpipped Vintage from Sydney, whose style is classic and easy to wear," Emma said.

"We also have classic Newcastle sellers like Papercrane Vintage, who have really beautiful French silk and linen, plus Nicole from Hello Goodbye Vintage who has 70s and retro homewares. There is going to be a real mix of styles for all genders and ages."

There’ll also be a selection of sample pieces from local designers like Olga Joan and Bruvel.

Emma and Kate say the market was born from a shared business ethos and a mutual desire to celebrate the business community of Islington.

“I usually host a vintage market at The Conscious Exchange every couple of months which has been really popular amongst our customers & community, but with Kate now opening Jack Jack, it’s the perfect set up for an event like this so collaborating together is a no brainer. We want to be doing really fun and interesting events  that bring more people into Islington to support our community of sustainably minded small businesses so we can all thrive together,” Emma said.

“It’s part of the reason I decided to open Jack Jack here in Islington, because everyone’s so welcoming. It makes it so much easier opening a small business when you are a part of a community that hypes each other up,” Kate explained.

While you shop, you can sip wine from Doom Juice and beers from Steel City and Gage Roads Brewing Co. Plus, there’ll be nibbles by For My Senses and cheesecake by Slab Cheesecakes.

Kate’s advice is to get down early to grab some clothes before they fly out the door. 

For sneak peeks of market goodies and information about future markets, keep an eye on the Islington Flea Market Instagram.

Islington Flea Market

Hosted by Jack Jack and The Conscious Exchange
When: 30 April, 10am-2pm
Where: Jack Jack, 99A Maitland Rd, Islington