Bush markets in various forms have been a staple seasonal attraction stretching back decades in country towns.
The hustle and bustle of people seeking bargains is of course the main attraction — but the chance of meeting a friendly face or two, enjoying a chat and a catch-up must also be a drawcard. Teenagers for decades have always appreciated the chance to mingle in public as young adults rather than school children. And so the tradition of the bush market continues.
But today there is an urgency around our shopping malls that was not so obvious 20 years ago.
As internet shopping takes its toll on bricks-and-mortar small business, the bush market plays an even more important role in stimulating local trade.
Shepparton Show Me has done a remarkable job over the years in delivering ever more attractions to the Maude St Mall for a bush market.
These days it's not enough to bring discounted items out on to the street and have a wandering clown or two.
We need fairground rides, jumping castles, balloon making and animal displays — including a dingo this year.
This does seem to be working. According to Greater Shepparton City Council, last year's Summer City Market pulled in 15 000 visitors over two days.
This must be a boost for mall traders.
There is no doubt that global giants like Amazon have changed shoppers’ expectations and interactions with bricks-and-mortar businesses. Price and variety play a big part in online shopping behaviour.
Nevertheless, consumers continue to want to browse and shop in stores rather than online.
According to Forbes magazine, a recent report from consumer data analyst First Insight found that 71 per cent of all shoppers surveyed spent $50 or more when shopping in-store. This compares to only 54 per cent of respondents spending more than $50 when shopping online.
This is interesting. Could the need for human interaction be playing a part here? Perhaps retail therapy is more than just an exchange of money.
The popularity of our annual bush markets do seem to reflect this need to get out and talk, feel, try and perhaps buy.
We hope this continues and that bush markets will thrive as a village square of community warmth and the human face of commerce — with a bargain or two thrown in.
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