7 . A growing number of under-35s in England are discovering the joys of going to or selling at craft (手艺) fairs and makers’ markets. A 2019 report found that 34% of those who buy hand-made items prefer markets and festival s to galleries or online purchases. The current craft revival (复苏) started through TV and the internet, but now it’s also about face-to-face sales and experiences. When product designer Ben Watson went to his first-ever craft fair in October, he didn’t have great expectations. “I thought there would be retirement-age couples hanging around but found the huge variety of attendees, most of whom engaged with makers throughout the day,” he says.
Nicky Dewar, director at the Crafts Council, says that what we consider as craft has widened, which has brought in an increase in shoppers under 35 buying craft. They also prefer to buy in markets rather than online. There’s something lovely about seeing markets pop up in so many different spaces. They’re important for emerging businesses and a big step for traders.
Sinead Koehler, founder of Crafty Fox Market, says there’s been an explosion of specialist markets all over the country. The festive market provides a platform to showcase unique handcrafted gifts and decorations. The common spread of markets doesn’t find universal approval, though. Koehler says that many craftspeople are aware of markets: “There can be a wide range of possibilities at these events. Quality can vary.”
Involved in selling and running markets since 2015, Sinead O’Connor confirms there has been an increased interest in craft, but she warns traders against selling items that are sourced rather than made by the seller at markets. “I find it encouraging that a lot of customers mentioned they liked my crafts. The feeling I get is that people really like something that can’t be bought from Amazon,” she says.
1. What did the 2019 report find about one-third of craft buyers?
| A．They turn online for a good deal. | B．They use sources from television. |
| C．They favor face-to-face purchases. | D．They show less interest in crafts. |
2. What are craftspeople worried about according to Sinead Koehler?
| A．People don’t have a correct understanding of craft. |
| B．The qualities of the items in the markets differ a lot. |
| C．There’s a lack of well qualified crafts in the markets. |
| D．The online craft businesses are a threat to galleries. |
3. Why does Sinead O’Connor feel encouraged?
| A．Many consumers appreciate her items. | B．She’s careful about the items sold. |
| C．She enjoy s a boom in business. | D．Her customers are critical. |
4. What can be a suitable title for the text?
| A．Online Purchase Becomes Outdated | B．Buyers Create Interest in Making Craft |
| C．Shopping in Stores Is Making a Return | D．The Magic of Hand-Made Craft Is Back |
