The Christchurch earthquake of 2011 brought the nation to a halt and threatened to bring the city of Christchurch to its knees. In a testament to Cantabrian courage and tenacity, the citizens of Christchurch pulled together to support one another through the disaster; to survive, grow, and eventually to rebuild.
One shining example of this can-do, inventive spirit is the Riverside Market in the heart of the CBD overlooking the Avon River. It began as an innovative assemblage of shipping containers, a practical but temporary solution to the need for a shopping centre. It served a genuine need well and became a valued part of Christchurch city life, growing into a permanent, beautiful, high-end indoor farmers market, and a fantastic must-see destination for visitors to Christchurch as well as Cantabrian locals.
Canterbury often experiences hot dry summers where the sun is fierce, but the shade is cool, so outdoor umbrellas are the perfect solution for areas without all-day overhead protection. Similarly, on rainy days when the wind isn’t blowing sideways or the temperatures freezing, Cantabrians and international visitors still brave the wonderful offerings of the Riverside market. Premium water-resistant outdoor umbrellas keep dry those who still love to sit outside within view of trees and the Avon River to enjoy their refreshments in the open air.
Shade7, New Zealand’s leading manufacturer of commercial outdoor umbrellas, is the umbrella supplier of choice for the Riverside Market. Shade7 umbrellas can be found everywhere at the Riverside Market, including the smart black Coke umbrellas, Shade7’s virtually bulletproof Venice sun umbrella. But arguably the most striking of the Shade7 market umbrellas are the gorgeous, generous-sized 3.5m octagonal Milan umbrellas that feature the Riverside Market branding. The Milan umbrella features heavy-duty fibreglass arms, a 50mm diametre pole with a 3mm wall thickness, and premium European solution-dyed, UV and water resistant canvas. The Milan umbrella is elegant and very strong. Outdoor umbrellas are sometimes left outside for weeks or even months at a time at commercial venues. So the ability to close umbrellas without having to remove them from tables is essential. The Milan 3.5 octagonal at Riverside Market is the biggest centre pole umbrella that can close over a table. Shade7 provides the closed ground-clearance and table compatibility of their umbrellas on their website and downloadable brochures.
Milan 3.5 Off White branded umbrellas
The Off White canopies are a perfect ‘canvas’ for the forest green Riverside Market brand name, as well as four heritage-style individually printed logos: sheep, cow, rooster, and carrots, each representing a pillar of any farmer’s market: meat, dairy, poultry and produce. While Off White does require more maintenance than charcoal in terms of keeping the canopy clean, the striking colour scheme and designs, together with the scale and volume of these large umbrellas, make a fantastic visual impact, as well as providing endless hours of shelter from both sun and rain, greatly extending, and enhancing, patrons’ enjoyment. For anyone choosing Off White or another pale coloured canopy, closing umbrellas when not in use, and covering them with a cover bag, will significantly reduce maintenance.
Venice 1.9 Square
Shade7 outdoor umbrellas are among the strongest umbrellas available, designed and engineered for New Zealand coastal conditions. With our typical New Zealand four seasons in one day weather, sheltering patrons from both sun and rain is essential.
Shade7 features fibreglass arms across almost their entire range. The beauty of fibreglass is its durability. Slender fibreglass arms give a lightweight yet extremely durable performance in the Venice Pop Up centre pole umbrella, and heavy-duty fibreglass arms feature in the Milan, and in the Riviera Classic cantilever umbrella providing solid yet flexible, durable arms. Umbrella arms that flex under pressure and bounce back mean incredible resilience in commercial environments as well as residential settings.
Venice Pop Up branded 2.6
If you get the chance to visit the Christchurch Riverside Market, take it; you won’t be disappointed, and you will add your support to the ongoing rebuilding of Christchurch City. And if you are wondering where to begin with choosing the best commercial or residential outdoor umbrella for your needs, the best place to begin is with a call or email, or visit the friendly and knowledgeable team at 1096 Great South Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060.
