Thank you from the Candor & Kindred Team

As we wrap up the 2025 trading year, we wanted to take a moment to look back on the impact that the Candor & Kindred community has had on small businesses, as well as the local economy, across the 10 markets we have hosted in 2025.

Based on vendor feedback collected throughout the year, businesses trading at Candor and Kindred markets generated a total of R13,824,056 in turnover. This figure was calculated using gross sales totals reported by vendors after each market, using averages to account for vendors who didn’t report their earnings. It’s also worth noting that food and beverage traders consistently reported higher turnover, suggesting the true combined total was likely considerably higher - potentially closer to R15 million.

But this is about more than just sales figures. Behind every purchase is a small business owner who dared to take a risk - choosing to make, bake, design, cook, source, create and put something out into the world. These sales reflect real livelihoods supported, small businesses sustained, and money kept circulating within our local economy.

Markets like Candor and Kindred exist because of people willing to show up (often early, often tired, often juggling more than one job) and participate in a shared ecosystem built on trust and mutual support. These spaces are shaped by community as much as curation, and by all the thousands of attendees who decide to support local.

We are so proud and grateful for the growth of our own small business this year, and to be able to see how these markets have changed the lives of our vendors has been nothing short of incredible.

Thank you so much to all the visitors who helped support the circular economy, and to our vendors for your work, your resilience, and your belief in creating something long-lasting and meaningful.

With love,
The Candor & Kindred Team