Nestled in the heart of Swakopmund, Namibia, Trendhaus is a hidden gem for those looking to explore the work of local artisans, local brands, and craftsmen. The brainchild of the Fahrbach family, Trendhaus opened its doors in May 2019 and has since become a popular platform for over 40 vendors to showcase their unique products.
Speaking to the coordinator, Sandra Windisch, she revealed that the family had always wanted to create something different and attractive in the historic warehouse behind Otto Günther. In the early 1900s, it served as a hub for goods arriving by ship at the Swakopmund harbor.
The ambiance of the building, with its old wooden interior and magical lighting, adds to the charm of the marketplace. In May 2019, Trendhaus opened its doors with an opening function attended by all exhibitors and about 100 guests. The night had an exceptional ambiance, with the lighting and all the old wooden interior of the building setting the perfect tone for what was to come.
The ethos of Trendhaus is simple – to offer a platform in a beautiful historic building for local artists, local brands, and craftsmen to sell their products and have a wide range of Namibian arts and crafts and Home Décor on offer for visitors to choose from.
Trendhaus currently supports over 40 small businesses, selling everything from leatherwork, jewelry, textiles, skincare, ceramics, woodwork, art, clothing and carpets woven by a weaver inside Trendhaus.
Many items are made in Namibia, and all projects are owned by Namibians. The vendors have the option of renting a space or working on a commission or sales basis.
Quality is a key requirement for products that are offered for sale. One unique aspect of Trendhaus is that vendors need not staff their own stalls. They are allocated a space to display their products, and the team at Trendhaus collects the sales on their behalf. As a result, vendors save on substantial costs.
Currently, Trendhaus has no open space and has a waiting list of applicants. Beyond the artistic offerings, Trendhaus also features a fresh produce stand belonging to Dorita Denker, called the Dodo Zero Waste Store.
The stand runs on the “zero waste” principle, with all produce sourced from local and upcountry suppliers, and customers are encouraged to bring their own bags or containers. Apart from being a marketplace, Trendhaus also has a children’s playground in the courtyard, and the local coffee roaster “Two Beards” offers a wide range of sit-down or takeaway coffees
During the year, the marketplace hosts popular vintage markets in the courtyard, which are a hit among the locals. For those seeking a unique shopping experience, Trendhaus is definitely worth a visit. The marketplace has become a hub for local artists, artisans, and coffee lovers, adding to the cultural fabric of Swakopmund.
Trendhaus is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00, and Saturdays from 9:00 to 13:00. During the summer season and long weekends, they open on Sundays and public holidays from 9:30 to 13:00.
