Eid ul Adha Market
FW Luxe was recently invited to attend the Eid ul-Adha Market at the Square One Shopping Centre. Eid ul Adha is a celebration in the Muslim community for the completion of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorating the sacrifice of Abraham. So here's our observation: one of the amazing things about this beautiful, multicultural city of Toronto, is the diverse and inclusive nature all around us. Just a few months ago, Square One Shopping Centre in collaboration with Muslim Market Co. held a Ramadan Market and the response was amazing.
Let's step back a bit....the retail culture is changing drastically and malls are changing their strategy to make mall visits a new experience. Visitors wants to come into stores, go through inventory, then go back home and buy it online. However, a large chunk of family goers and mom shoppers still go to the mall. Even though millennials and Gen Z may be turning to social media for purchasing and surfing the gram to see the latest brands and trends- in store customer service, exclusive deals, and the social feel of 'going to the mall' with family or friends will always be present but reinvented to feel like a fresher experience. Ultimately going to the mall is an opportunity for some great indoor fun and retailers are focused on strong store design, multitude of offers and choices to engage the customer.
In order of appearance:
Tuesday in Love- Halal Nailpolish ‘3 Color Gift Set’
Amal’s Apothacary- Essential Oils ‘Headache Relief’
Share the Khair- Goodness Products ‘Eid Money Pouch’
Also Sophia- Products for Faith and Culture ‘The Little Girl Happy Eid Money Envelope’
The Bauble Shop- Handmade Jewelry ‘Pink Crystal Stone & Mother of Pearl Earrings’
Infinitely Classic- Ethical Halal Makeup and Fashion ‘Lipgloss in Flannel’
Sitti Soap- Natural Olive Oil Soap ‘Sitti Soap Bars’
Blak Orchid- Diverse Accessories ‘Wildchild Backpack’
Crispy Craving- Heirloom Crispy Treats ‘Lattice’
Blossom Moments- Floral Arrangements ‘Rose Garden’
Shabacare- Cruelty Free, Organic Skincare ‘Smoother & Fuller Beard Oil’
Secret Lands Farm- Sheep and Lamb Dairy and Meat Products
With this changing landscape, is the rise of brand activations, pop ups and experiential marketing opportunities. The Eid ul Adha market was just that. In the midst of large retailers and the hustle bustle of Square One in the heart of Mississauga, the Eid ul Adha Market welcomes all mall visitors- Muslims and non-Muslims to embrace the culture, enjoy yummy treats and purchase gorgeous products from hand-craftsmen with their one of a kind items in fashion, beauty, decor and more. Sudduf Wyne, the founder of @MuslimMarket.co is a trailblazer entrepreneur who has been an active member of the Muslim community for quite some time now. Her previous experiences have been in the automotive, energy production, and tech startup space. She has a bachelors degree in Engineering from McMaster University and a Masters in Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business. An inspirational mom of triplets and business expert, she has successfully worked with Square One in building a space for Muslim holidays and to celebrate small and medium size businesses by offering them a platform to share their amazing inventory with a large multicultural demographic to gain brand recognition.
International brands like H&M, Nike, Dolce&Gabbana and many others are adapting to a diverse customer base and showcasing a Muslim clientele in their campaigns. Some top brands such as Farsali and Huda Beauty are owned by Muslim entrepreneurs, which emphasize on the importance of valuing diversity in the retail horizon. Pop up shops and halal markets will only increase. A great achievement to see when the community we live in learns more about the wonderful celebratory festivities and talent behind some innovative and forward thinking businesses from various diverse communities, and in this case, a strong muslim focus!
The Eid ul Adha Market is open this weekend from Thursday August 8th to Sunday August 11th, 2019 at Square One Shopping Centre across H&M. If you haven't checked it out yet, do head on over! Free henna tattoos and many other perks for everyone to enjoy!