Market share

Time Out's little piggies* went to market for a little insight into the tribe of merchants who set up shop in the same spot week after week

The markets of Sydney continue to evolve but as always, bargains are everywhere

Markets are a staple of most Sydneysider’s weekend. From empty schoolyards to churches and parking lots, they attract all sorts of vendors. Like that perma-smiling person who knows about your endless quest to acquire first edition hardcovers from the Renaissance to the grumpy staller who won’t be budged on the price of a primo one-off. These folks are Sydney’s real market traders.

Bondi Markets
Best for Next season’s fashion
Bondi is the cream of the market crop when it comes to sourcing up-and-coming designer threads. It has played home to many a local label success story. Lover (the label) started out here; they now take up rack space in Barneys New York. The vast majority of stall owners are on the up and up, meaning the feel of the market tends to change from season to season. Summer or winter, Bondi market is great for a wander on a laid-back Sunday. That cruisy mentality crosses over into the market; no early-morning rush here. Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach 2026. Sun 10am–5pm (earlier in winter).

Rozelle Markets
Best for Finding diamonds (and sequins) in the rough
Quirky home to loyal vintagers who trade in pre-loved goods, Rozelle has a long, well-earned reputation for being one of the best for vintage clothing and bric-a-brac. It has also been known to provide a leisurely start for a Sydney storeowner or two. Tim Barber, part-owner of record and clothing shop Pigeon Ground (102 salisbury Rd, Camperdown 2050) spent seven years setting up shop in the school grounds before setting up his retail camp in Camperdown. Rozelle Public School, Darling St, Rozelle.2039. Sat and Sun 9am–4pm.

Paddington Markets
Best for Interesting gifts for the person who has everything
Setting up stalls since 1973, Paddington Markets has become something of an institution for emerging designers. Artists not willing to suffer the loss of a curator’s cut from a gallery sale favour Paddington Markets, as do some of the local clothing designers that can be found setting up stalls down in Bondi of a Sunday. As at Bondi, you can be pretty sure you’ll see at least one of the vendor’s goods on sale in an Oxford Street store the following year. Paddington Uniting Church, Oxford St, Paddington 2021. Sat 10am–5pm.

Glebe Markets
Best for One-offs and character
Most of the long-term market folk here have been waiting patiently for other markets to catch on to their vintage flair for over 15 years now. You can find all manner of riches sold by stallholders here. It’s a real trash and treasure mix of flora, furniture, clothing, art, CDs, vinyl, food and just-functioning electrical equipment. The beauty of Glebe is certainly the tribe of folks behind the counters – a select few have myriad market yarns to tell that are well worth a listen. Glebe Public School, Glebe Point Road, Glebe 2037. Sat 10am–4pm

Bent Street Bazaar
Best for City fringe family fun of almost all shapes and sizes
This ever-evolving main street market has been trading for as long as the surrounding entertainment precinct, granted with a few image and name changes over the years. These days, the bazaar attracts stallholders catering for all ages. The focus is family-friendly and the markets make full use of the facilities in the surrounding EQ. There are rides for the kids and bars for the adults but market manager Cameron Scott reckons you don’t have to spend to have a good day. Just shuffling around the various stalls is an experience in itself. Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park 2021. Sun 10am–4pm

Kirribilli Markets
Best for Early-bird magpie bargains
Kirribilli Market is known for its early starts and colourful character. Johnny Howard sightings used to be a regular event here as he power-walked through, entourage in tow. Be sure to set the alarm – according to market manager Ariane Wicks most of the great finds are snapped up earlier on in the day. Kirribilli is one of the longest running markets in Sydney and maintains a diversity of stall renters, with 150 of the 300 stalls occupied by vendors, some of whom have been there since the market began 25 years ago. Bradfield Park (directly underneath the northern end of the Harbour Bridge), Milsons Point 2061. Sat (4th of each month) 7am–3pm.

Fairfield Markets
Best for Variety
Fairfield is true to its name – it could be classified both as fair and market. This massive weekly event (third biggest of its kind in the state) encompasses over 600 market stalls. New goods only on sale here, so you won’t find yourself battling with other vintage hunters over that one treasured item. Fairfield sticks to its ‘fun for all the family’ motto by providing ever-changing weekly children’s entertainment. Fancy a pony ride? Maybe a bounce on the jumping castle is more your style? The markets are undercover so they take place regardless of the weather. Fairfield Showground, Smithfield Rd, Fairfield 2165. Sat 9am–4pm.

Kat Hartmann, www.kluster.com.au
*Ms Hartmann in no way resembles a little piggy