heart Market Saturday, 6 May Sugar Rush Park , Ballito, North Coast

The start of autumn, means milder weather and balmier days in KZN and great reasons to shop for winter as the I heart Market, warms up for its next market that will take place on Saturday 6 May at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito from 08:30 to 14:00.

The traders have been spending time stocking up for the autumnal and winter months to offer an array of artisanal wares made with care and love for their crafts. Shoppers can once again expect a variety of exceptional crafted goods from leather and décor, ceramics, visual arts, home décor, kiddies and adult clothing including a delicious rage of sauces and condiments, cured meats and cheeses, as well as mouth-watering eat-in options at the market.

Oraaba Gals

Since moving to the popular venue in Ballito in December last year, the I heart Market has enjoyed increasing popularity, and has been a welcome addition to the Sugar Rush Park according to Kim Perry - Operations Manager of the Park. “The Market has certainly added a dynamic and robust shopping experience to the Park, which is geared up to provide a fantastic outing for all. Together with our exciting adventure experiences, kiddies fun offerings and restaurant – the I heart Market really provides a once a month family event to look forward to on the North Coast away from the hustle and bustle of a mall.”

Polka Dot Coco

The Market is situated at Sugar Rush, next to Collisheen Estate in Ballito. There is restaurant at the venue, a kids’ play area, mini-train, a reptile park, Jump Park, the Tree Trails obstacle course, and a Park Run every Saturday morning. 

Savage Jewellery

For more information, or to enquire about possible trading contact info@iheartmkt.com 

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I heart Market – 15 years on! Saturday, 4 March: 08:30 to 14:00 Ballito

The iconic I heart Market, which recently celebrated its 15th birthday, will take place on Saturday 4 March at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito from 08:30 to 14:00.

The first market was held in 2008 on the pavements outside the St Mary's Church Hall, next to the then Beanbag Bohemia in Morningsde, Durban. 

Owner of the market Anna Savage says, “We started off with 12 stall-holders ranging from ceramics, silver jewellery, clothing and homemade deli goods. But it grew quickly, so moved into the church hall but soon outgrew that. Every time we moved venue, we would get an influx of interested traders and within 3 months we would be filled to the brim with traders. Finally, we found a home on the lawns of Moses Mabhida Stadium, where we traded for a few years, and now have found a permanent home at Sugar Rush in Ballito.”

For Anna, the success of the traders, and the positive feedback from customers, remain a constant highlight. “It’s fabulous seeing people’s businesses grow. Special connections are made between customer and trader at the market, it’s a very personal experience. That's the magic of markets where you are meeting the maker rather than shopping in malls.”

The market offers a wide range of hand-crafted goods including jewellery and accessories, leather goods, artisanal foods and deli goods, ceramics, visual arts, décor, and clothing.

“These kinds of markets are so good for the small business economy," says Anna. “The direct contact to both customers, and other traders and the connections that are made by the traders is what makes this such a robust small business environment. It’s a great feedback loop. Our traders get feedback from the customer, they can see what products are preferred, and they get appreciation either through sales or praise for the work they have done. That counts for a lot.”

According to Anna, creating a curated platform for unique and interesting locally-made products, and not allowing products that are imported or mass manufactured, into the mix, has been the consistent reason for the market’s success. “Customers and traders can be assured of top quality goods being traded here.”

The Market is situated at Sugar Rush, next to Collisheen Estate in Ballito. There is a restaurant at the venue, a kids’ play area, mini-train, a reptile park, Jump Park, the Tree Trails obstacle course, and a Park Run every Saturday morning. 

For more information, or to enquire about possible trading contact info@iheartmkt.com 

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I heart Market 4 February at Sugar Rush Park , Ballito, North Coast

After a successful move north of Durban in time for last year’s Festive Season the  I heart Market offers a sale market on Saturday 4 February at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito from 08:30 to 14:00. 

The I heart Market is considered an iconic KZN artisanal retail experience that has gained a reputation for its high-quality hand-crafted and designed goods that include delicious foods, jewellery, and accessories, leather goods, ceramics, visual arts, décor, and clothing.

Delicious condiments

"After a really productive festive season, it’s now time for our traditional “January” sale in February – one of two sale markets we host,” says Anna Savage owner and manager of the market. “This is an opportunity for customers to pick up some top quality locally made products, and for our traders to move their end-of-range products in order to make space for fresh new products and designs for our March market.”

Quirky hand crafted decor ideas

The Market is situated at Sugar Rush, next to Collisheen Estate in Ballito. There is a restaurant at the venue, a kids’ play area, a mini-train, a reptile park, Jump Park, the Tree Trails obstacle course, and a Park Run every Saturday morning. 

Gorgeous hand made toys

For more information, or to enquire about possible trading contact info@iheartmkt.com 

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I heart Market moves to Sugar Rush Park in Ballito from 3 December 2022

In time for the Festive Season KZN’s much-loved I heart Market makes a new permanent home up the North Coast at popular family entertainment venue - Sugar Rush Park in Ballito - with the season dates confirmed for 3, 10, 17 December 2022 and 7 January 2023 from 08:30 to 14:00.

Fun activities available at Sugar Rush Park

Situated next to Collisheen Estate, Sugar Rush Park is a hive of family-friendly activities. It serves as an activity hub and the base for Holla Trails - a network of biking, running or walking trails that go through the sugar cane fields. 

Sugar Rush Park, also has a restaurant -Food Fundi, a kids’ play area, mini-train, the Ndlondlo reptile park, The Jump Park, the Tree Trails obstacle course and Park Run every Saturday morning. 

Anna Savage, the market’s owner /manager explains the move, "The I heart Market is a local business hub, and our business is based on the success of small business enterprises. We have an obligation to provide the best sales opportunity for our traders and at the same time create a relaxed, fun day out for everyone.”

“As a result, we have made a  bold decision to move to Ballito, as we needed to find a venue that could provide us with the security of a long-term lease, and a vibrant well-kept venue that has additional family-friendly activities that our customers can enjoy. We have found the perfect venue at Sugar Rush Park. We realize that this move is a big jump in terms of location and that it may be far for some of our regular customers. But we can guarantee a great day out to those who can travel north, and make  a day of it by taking advantage of the other activities available.”

Makers Phumzile Zama and Nolwazi Zama with their Polka dot Coco store

The I heart Market has a reputation for supporting artisanal crafters, artists, and traders, offering fine, handmade goods that include jewellery, accessories, leather goods, ceramics, visual arts, décor, clothing, deli foods bakery goods including breads, pastries, cookies and cakes, and a delicious range of eat in foods. Echoing the market's name, the goods on offer are made with love, dedication to the craft, and personal integrity.

"Sugar Rush Park is excited to welcome the I heart Market to our activity hub. Celebrating and supporting small creative local businesses is vital to the local economy and has a special role to play post covid.  We invite our customers and Ballito locals to support this initiative and enjoy the fine products." Nick Jordan, partner at Sugar Rush.

According to Anna Savage, the market will continue to trade throughout the year on the first Saturday of every month. There is secure parking and entrance is free.

For more information, or to enquire about possible trading contact info@iheartmkt.com