The informal economy is a cornerstone of the Cape Town CBD shopping experience. In fact, approximately 73% of people who pass through the area buy from street traders. That’s according to a survey conducted by the CCID, the results of which it published in The State of Cape Town Central City Report: 2014 – A year in review.
One of the best known informal trade strips in the CBD is the Church Street Market between Long and Burg streets. Founded and managed by Brenda Scarratt (who mapmyway.co.za calls the “queen of vintage vendors”), it is open daily (except Sundays) from 09h00 till 16h00.
Here you will find all manner of bric-a-brac, curios, jewellery, leather handbags and antiques at over a dozen stalls. Church Street is also the hub of First Thursdays and home to sidewalk cafes, restaurants and galleries. Altogether, it’s a veritable treasure trove and rightfully the “cultural heart of Cape Town”, as the market’s brochure states.
To find out more, contact Brenda on 071 687 873 or at brendascarratt@gmail.com. Or visit www.facebook.com/churchstreetantiquemarketcapetown.
Meet more CBD informal traders.