Kamers/Makers, a locally-established artisan market that showcases local handcrafted and homemade products around the country, has returned to Stellenbosch with a new pop-up retail space. The pop-up store will be in Stellenbosch until the end of August.
Kamers/Makers’ official Stellenbosch pop-up poster. (PHOTO: Facebook/ Kamers vol Geskenke)
According to their website, Kamers was originally started in Stellenbosch in 2003 and was known as Kamers vol Geskenke. To date, it has seen over 50 000 visitors and has hosted over 600 exhibitors across the country
Magdel Kemp, Kamers’ chief operating officer and owner said that when Kamers began she wanted to help small businesses grow and promote creative entrepreneurs.
“We carefully curate to make sure we only showcase the best, unique and not-easily-found true, South African products,” said Kemp.
The artisan market is known for exhibiting homemade crafts and products made by South African artists. (PHOTO: Facebook/Kamers vol Geskenke)
From a few Kamers, to a nation’s treasure
One of the exhibitors, Charly Ngwenya, who is the owner of Toys R Here, said that he was grateful to have the chance to showcase his work in a successful space like Kamers.
“As an immigrant from Malawi who is now based in South Africa, there aren’t many opportunities to succeed. I am glad that I was able to see my passion of making things from wood be appreciated by other people,” he said.
“With so many people appreciating my work, I am able to expand my business and employ other people who [also] enjoy making things from wood,” said Ngwenya.
Local resident Lara Joubert said that she had been following the market around the country and was excited to see a branch open in town.
I enjoy going to markets and seeing what local entrepreneurs have to offer. I have been supporting Kamers since last year and it is nice that it is much closer to home,” she said.
Many Stellenbosch residents have already taken a liking to the new pop-up concept store. (PHOTO: Facebook/Kamers vol Geskenke)
“Another store was recently opened at the V&A Waterfront this month and we are planning another opening at the Hyde Park Mall in Johannesburg, in September,” said Kemp.