Things looked pretty different back in 2008. Gold Coast culture was still something of an oxymoron, with a city still clinging to its ‘glitter strip’ reputation as a place to party, not to live. Sarah and Marissa, two long-time locals, dared to do something different – they created The Village Markets with the view to challenge the notion of the typical market. They championed local makers and creators, encouraging the community to shop small and provided a launch pad for some pretty incredible brands including peony swimwear, Kivari, Cleopatra’s Bling, Nine Lives Bazaar and YCL Jewellery, to name just a few.

So much more than just a Sunday market, The Village Markets also hosted some of Australia’s biggest international music acts including Tones & I and Ziggy Alberts, both of which we had the pleasure of watching from a picnic rug with a coffee in hand.

Sarah and Marissa took to Instagram to share the news, citing an economic downturn, the light-rail construction and relentless wet wether as factors in the tough decision to no longer host a regular Sunday markets at Burleigh Heads. The good news is that it’s not goodbye, as they have also announced an ongoing partnership with Robina Town Centre, kicking off this Saturday May 11 to coincide with Mother’s Day.

In further good news for bargain hunters, the much-loved Designer Rack Sales will continue, with the first of a series of pop-ups starting on Saturday May 18 at Outerbound Store in Burleigh Heads.

“Whilst we are sad to leave Burleigh as it has been our home since we launched in 2008, we are really excited about this new chapter for The Village Markets and what it will bring to a new community,” Marissa says.

Although it may be the end of an era, we’re thankful for the memories and excited for the future of The Village Markets in its new Robina home.

Image credit: The Village Markets