Durham Outdoor Market welcomes new student traders this coming weekend, as three teams of students compete to win Durham University Marketing Society’s Christmas Market Challenge.

The culmination of the Challenge, which began on Wednesday 5th November, sees the students selling their Christmas-themed products at stalls in Durham Market Place alongside the regular Outdoor Market on Saturday 29th November.  Before reaching this stage, the teams have participated in a brainstorming session, pitched for funding for their enterprise and taken part in an Insight Day where they worked closely with marketing experts from Everything Different to develop their marketing proposals.

The products on offer at Saturday’s market include hand-crafted Christmas cards featuring the students’ own photographs and drawings, bespoke Christmas decorations including a chance for children to make their own Christmas baubles, and Gift Sacks with a wide choice of gifts which can be picked to compile unique sacks.

Ronald Leung, President of Durham University Marketing Society, said:
“This is the first time we’ve brought together students from different years, and from different courses, and set them this Christmas Market Challenge.  It’s given them an invaluable opportunity to work with Durham Markets and bring the fruits of their challenge to the public for the ultimate test.  Additionally, they’ve gained insight from Durham Business School and industry professionals.  What the challenge ultimately gives the team members is first-hand experience in creating a business and selling to a ‘buying’ public – skills which will no doubt prove relevant and valuable in their working lives beyond university.”

Colin Wilkes, Managing Director of Durham Markets, added:
“This is an Apprentice-style challenge where the winner is the team which makes the biggest profit, so how well they fare at Saturday’s market is really important.  We’re really happy to be able to support and encourage these students as they develop skills which will help them into the future, beyond their university years.”

The three teams’ stalls will be open from 9am on Saturday 29th November, in Durham Market Place, alongside the regular Outdoor Market.