Glebe Markets Revived

Hearing that the iconic Glebe Markets were coming to a close by the end of February, Sydneysiders were appalled. Backlash from the wider community was outspread, with petitions titled 'Save Glebe Markets' earning thousands of signatures. What once was a cultural hub was about to disappear forever.

Social media link to post by @glebemarkets on Instagram stating that the markets will be closing 25th February 2023.

The original owners of the markets announced online via their social media sites that the much-loved markets were set to cease trading on the 25th of February 2023. There was no explanation provided to stallholders and many were in the dark until Jamie Parker, MP, announced via his social media that “an interim operator has just been named to take over the markets at Glebe Public School...”

Just like the public, many were surprised by the announcement of the markets closing down including Amy, owner of Karameleon Vintage. “We were really shocked, it came out of nowhere. It felt like it was going to be a forever thing” she says.

Amy from Karameleon Vintage posing with her stall at Markets at Glebe. Photographer: Garima Singh.

Another stallholder spoke of the turnout that the renewed markets have experienced, she said that the first week back was “Barely a skeleton of what it usually is” and that “Even the morale [of stallholders] was pretty low.”

Amy commented on the environment of the revived markets 5 weeks in, stating how there are empty areas where bustling stalls used to be "It just doesn't feel the same" she states. When wandering around the market, this was pretty evident in the large open spaces that appear dull and grey compared to the bright surrounding stalls. "It kind of felt like a lot of Glebe Markets lost its spirit” Amy says.

Empty spot at the top of Glebe Markets. Photographer: Garima Singh

Adam, owner of Chicago Vintage, who has been selling at Glebe Markets for over 2 decades, discussed the previous owner continuously sharing via social media that the markets are, ‘officially closed.’ "It’s very poor form, to use their [previous owners] words very ‘unchristian-like’” Adam states. Most of the stallholders spoke of how the sabotaging affects them more than anyone else, with their livelihoods on the line.

Glebe Markets is now officially called ‘Markets at Glebe’ and is still running every Saturday 10am-4pm, regardless of what some social media sites say.