Every year, we say it: support female entrepreneurs, shop consciously, buy better.

Then December arrives, our gift lists get longer, our patience gets shorter, and suddenly we’re ordering everything from the same three websites.

We’ve all been there. But this year, let’s make a little room for something different.

The case for supporting women in business remains urgent. The World Bank’s 2026 report finds that women worldwide have just 67% of the legal economic rights afforded to men, while only around half of economies promote equal access to credit.

Economic independence still comes with an unequal set of rules.

Shopping locally and consciously is one practical way to help: supporting independent livelihoods, strengthening our community, and asking who made our gifts, how they were made, and where our money goes.

On 27 & 28 November, The Nine opens its doors to the public for the fifth edition of our Conscious Winter Market, celebrating female and gender-marginalised entrepreneurs building businesses on their own terms.

Discover independent fashion, thoughtful design, delicious treats, wellness essentials, and gifts with stories worth sharing. 

Meet the people behind the brands: founders who have taken a risk, backed their ideas, and created something they believe in.

Come with your gift list. Bring your friends. Find something special.

This festive season, put your money where your values are, and women’s ambition on your shopping list.