Architects of Lifestyle in partnership with Maseru Business Club and Maseru Mall have called on vendors to take part in a night market set to take place at Maseru Mall next Friday.
The event is expected to be an immersive, story-driven night market experience filled with live music, performances, arts and crafts, food, and a great atmosphere.
In an interview with theReporter this week, the founder of Architects of Lifestyle, Emmanuel Tekane, explained night market is a grouping of temporary outdoor stalls operated by small traders where products are displayed for sale.
“An outdoor night market in essence is an experience which we want to bring to life because we normally have exhibitions happening in the country, but we haven’t had an experience whereby shoppers can go at night where there are vendors in an atmosphere like a family-fun sphere filled with live music and enjoying good food with vendors.
“What we are planning is to have cuisines from different parts of the world to be at the event,” Tekane said.
He indicated that night markets are already being held in some Asian countries and Ireland, featuring a diversity of wares.
Tekane said he had been to several night markets that is why he and his team ended up having an idea of bringing such an event to Lesotho.
Next week’s night market will be followed by others next month and in December. However, the event is tipped to be held monthly until March next year due to cold weather conditions in the country after that.
“From March we are going to take a pause and resume in October due to cold weather since this is an outdoor event held at night.” he said.
Entrance is free.
“However, stalls are bought according to their categories and depending on different natures of their businesses, from manufacturers down to retailers.
“Everyone can come and register and then pay for a stall and show up that day. Stalls range from M350 to M1,200. Drawing artists can come and showcase their portraits to advertise their work.
“What we are trying to do is that we are engaging the whole country inclusive of Maseru Mall tenants who will also be there to support us and vendors who will be there,” Tekane added.
He reiterated that there are a lot of surprises in store on night markets going forward.
Next week, he said, vendors can expect a large crowd of people from all walks of life, in addition to regular Maseru Mall shoppers.
“There will also be a category of SMEs that we are going to identify and help with advertising and place in easily visible and accessible spots. This is a way of giving back to them.
“This is a great opportunity for exhibitors or SMEs who do not have the muscle to approach other companies to come forth; you will never know who approaches your stall and where that person comes from. So, to them this is going to be a top marketing strategy,” Tekane said.
He further called on artists who would want to come and perform to come and entertain the crowd, especially those up-and-coming because this is a great opportunity for them to be known.
Architects of Lifestyle is an events planning company while Maseru Business Club is an entrepreneurship support organisation seeking to empower local businesses.
