On a Sunday morning, the usually quiet streets of Bellenden Road in South East London transform into a vibrant hub of activity. The bi-monthly Peckham Car Boot, a haven for vintage finds and trendy streetwear, draws in a diverse crowd, creating a bustling atmosphere that spills onto the surrounding streets.
The long queue snaking its way through the neighborhood is a testament to the car boot’s popularity. A pound coin exchanged for entry grants you access to a treasure trove of secondhand goods – from vintage designer garments and battered sneakers to rare football shirts and a plethora of cassette tapes. It’s a far cry from your traditional car boot sale, where dusty electronics and crayon-stained toys reign supreme.
This is a different breed of car boot sale, a vibrant flea market where hypebeasts mingle with vintage enthusiasts and art students seeking a quick buck. It’s a melting pot of style and individuality, with every Gen Z trend imaginable juxtaposed against classic vintage looks reminiscent of Brick Lane’s heyday.
The success of Peckham Car Boot is a testament to the vision of co-founders Erin Murphy and Steven Lopes. The duo, who launched the car boot in 2019, found themselves forced to pivot when the pandemic hit. Their response? An online car boot, leveraging Instagram stories to sell their followers’ pre-loved treasures. This innovative move, combined with the car boot’s location in trendy Peckham and a growing buzz, propelled the event to unprecedented heights.
“I don’t think I envisioned it being what it is,” admits Erin. Steven agrees, but emphasizes their unwavering belief in its potential. “I grew up around Peckham and there’s a young crowd as well as the locals, so we knew there was a lot of potential there.”
Today, Peckham Car Boot serves as a vital platform for hundreds of individuals to source and sell their clothes. The diverse array of sellers, from DJs offloading old production equipment to vintage leather jacket aficionados, creates a unique energy that permeates the entire event.
The car boot is more than just a marketplace; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s a place to discover hidden gems, witness the latest trends, and immerse yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Even if you don’t find those coveted vintage Puma Speedcats, the experience itself offers a wealth of inspiration.
Despite its exponential growth, Peckham Car Boot remains a well-oiled machine, thanks to the efforts of Erin and Steven. While they acknowledge that “a bit of drama” is inevitable when dealing with such a large crowd, the car boot generally maintains a relaxed and organized atmosphere. There’s no blasting music or litter strewn across the streets. Their commitment to keeping the event cool, community-focused, and accessible is evident.
The car boot actively discourages professional resellers and exorbitant prices, creating a more authentic and affordable experience for both buyers and sellers. It’s a place where the emphasis is on community, creativity, and finding those unique, secondhand treasures that tell a story.
“We’ve got a really good team that we trust and everyone’s pretty chilled… So yeah, I think it works well,” says Erin, highlighting the car boot’s distinct charm. As the crowds continue to flock to Peckham Car Boot, it’s clear that this unique event is more than just a place to buy and sell; it’s a cultural touchstone, a vibrant embodiment of London’s ever-evolving fashion scene.
